A teenager who had been missing in Tenerife for over four weeks is set to be laid to rest this Saturday, with his family planning to make his funeral a celebration of his life. Jay Slater, a 19-year-old who tragically passed away after falling from a height in the rural National Park, was on vacation with friends to attend a music festival when the incident occurred. He had left the tourist area of Playa de Las Americas in the early hours of June 17th, heading to a remote AirBnb in the Masca valley and attempting an 11-hour trek back to his hotel through mountainous terrain.
The funeral service for Jay Slater is scheduled for August 10th, and attendees have been asked to wear something blue in his memory. Instead of flowers, the family has suggested donations to LBT Global, a charity that provided support during their difficult time. Jay’s body was returned to the UK last week, and a post-mortem examination revealed that he had died from traumatic head injuries consistent with a fall from a height.
The ceremony, described as a “celebration of life service,” is to be held at Accrington Cemetery Chapel before interment. While floral tributes will be provided by the family, others are welcome to bring a single rose to place with Jay. His mother, Debbie Duncan, had made several appeals for information during his disappearance.
In a tribute, Jay was remembered as a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He was an apprentice bricklayer who enjoyed his work, had a passion for football, music, and dance, and loved spending time with his friends. He attended the NRG music festival before his disappearance and had traveled to Masca with two older British men who were later found to be unrelated to the case.
During his last phone call, Jay had mentioned being lost, dehydrated, and injured, with only one percent battery left on his phone. The Spanish Civil Guard speculated that he may have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was discovered. Despite wild conspiracy theories circulating online, Jay’s body was found after 29 days of searching by authorities and volunteers in the remote park.
The family’s statement through LBT Global highlighted Jay’s positive impact on those around him and the joy he brought into their lives. They expressed their deep sadness at his passing and the loss of a beloved member of their family and community. The upcoming funeral service will provide an opportunity for friends and loved ones to come together to remember Jay and celebrate his life.