British Teen Jay Slater Found Dead in Tenerife
An autopsy has confirmed that the body found by rescuers in Tenerife is missing British teen Jay Slater. The 19-year-old from Lancashire vanished four weeks ago after attending a music festival on the island.
Fingers Point to Fatal Fall
A court spokesperson confirmed fingerprints matched Slater’s. The high court of justice in the Canary Islands revealed injuries show his death was caused by a traumatic fall in rocky terrain near Masca village. “We have a positive identification,” the court said. “Death was caused by trauma consistent with a fall.”
Family Left Heartbroken
Slater’s mother, Debbie Duncan, expressed her devastation: “I just can’t believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken.” Tributes poured in from friends, with festival buddy Lucy Law saying, “Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room… We all love you, buddy. Fly high.”
Last Movements and Search Efforts
- Jay was last seen walking alone near the remote Rural de Teno national park, about 11 hours on foot from where he stayed.
- Locals described him walking uphill alone, fast but steady, in a dangerous area.
- He spoke to a friend early on 17 June saying he was lost, thirsty, and phone battery was critically low.
- The Guardia Civil found his body exactly four weeks after he went missing, after a huge search involving dogs, drones, and helicopters.
- The difficult terrain meant a helicopter was needed to recover the body.
Official Statement and Privacy Appeal
Matthew Searle from British charity LBT Global is helping Jay’s family with repatriation and recovery of belongings. He pleaded for privacy and urged an end to “hurtful comments” and conspiracy theories spreading on social media after Jay’s disappearance.
