Jay Slater was a 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, who died after going missing while on holiday in Tenerife in June 2024. After an extensive 29-day international search, his body was found in a deep ravine near the village of Masca. A British inquest later ruled that Jay’s death was accidental, caused by a fatal fall in dangerous mountain terrain.
His disappearance and death drew worldwide attention, prompted a major rescue operation, and later became the subject of widespread online speculation—much of it proven to be false.
What Happened to Jay Slater? (Quick Summary)
- Jay Slater travelled to Tenerife in June 2024 for a music festival
- He was last heard from on June 17, saying he was lost and thirsty
- His phone battery died shortly after a final call to a friend
- A large-scale search continued for 29 days
- His body was found near Masca on July 15, 2024
- An inquest ruled his death accidental, with no third-party involvement
Who Was Jay Slater?
Jay Slater was described by his family as a happy, smiling young man who loved life. He lived in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, and worked as an apprentice bricklayer. He had an older brother, Zak, and was close to his parents, Debbie Duncan and Warren Slater.
In June 2024, Jay went on his first holiday abroad without his parents, travelling with friends to Tenerife to attend the NRG music festival. It was meant to be a celebration and a new experience—one that tragically ended in loss.
What Happened on the Holiday?
Jay attended a rave in Playa de las Américas, a popular party area in southern Tenerife. After the event, he met two men and went with them to an Airbnb in Masca, a remote village in the mountainous north of the island.
On the morning of June 17, 2024, Jay left the Airbnb early. He missed the bus back to his accommodation and decided to walk instead—a journey estimated to take 10 to 11 hours through steep and hazardous terrain.
At the time, his phone battery was at 1%. He managed to call his friend Lucy Mae, telling her he was lost, thirsty, and in need of water. Shortly after, his phone signal pinged near a rocky area before going dead. That call was the last confirmed contact with Jay.
The Search and Discovery
Jay’s disappearance triggered a major international search operation involving Spanish police, helicopters, mountain rescue teams, sniffer dogs, and local volunteers. His family flew to Tenerife and later hired additional private search teams, including specialists from the Netherlands.
The case received extensive global media coverage, with millions following developments daily.
After 29 days, on July 15, 2024, a body was discovered in a deep ravine near Masca. Authorities later confirmed it was Jay Slater through fingerprint identification.
Autopsy Results and Official Findings
A post-mortem examination revealed that Jay died from severe head injuries caused by a fall in rocky terrain. There were no signs of assault or involvement by anyone else.
In 2025, a British inquest reviewed the circumstances of his death. Witness testimony confirmed Jay had consumed alcohol and drugs the night before. The coroner concluded that Jay fell 20–25 meters in a dangerous area and died instantly.
The official ruling was accidental death. The coroner stated there was no evidence of third-party involvement and expressed hope that the findings would bring some comfort to Jay’s family, knowing he did not suffer for long.
The GoFundMe Fundraiser: Support for the Family
Shortly after Jay went missing, his friend Lucy Mae set up a GoFundMe page titled “Get Jay Slater Home.” The fundraiser aimed to support search efforts and help return Jay to the UK.
The campaign raised over £72,000 from thousands of donors worldwide. According to the family, the funds were used for:
- Repatriating Jay’s body to the UK
- Funeral and memorial costs
- Supporting private search teams
- Allowing family members to remain in Tenerife during the search
In November 2024, Jay’s mother Debbie officially closed the fundraiser with a public message thanking donors and confirming that the money had been used appropriately during an extremely difficult time.
Online Trolls and Conspiracy Theories
Despite the clear official findings, Jay’s case became the target of online misinformation and conspiracy theories, particularly on TikTok and Facebook. False claims suggested Jay was hiding, involved in criminal activity, or that his family had misused donated funds.
Authorities and family representatives publicly dismissed these claims. Debbie later called for stronger laws to tackle “tragedy trolling”, highlighting the emotional damage such abuse causes to grieving families.
Lessons from a Tragedy
Jay Slater’s death is a stark reminder of how quickly situations can turn dangerous when travelling in unfamiliar environments. What began as a holiday ended in tragedy after a single wrong decision in difficult terrain.
The case also highlights the importance of compassion and responsibility online. While many people showed extraordinary kindness through donations and support, unchecked speculation added unnecessary pain to an already devastating loss.
Jay’s family has said their lives will never be the same, but they remain grateful to those who showed empathy, respect, and humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jay Slater
How did Jay Slater die?
Jay Slater died after falling 20–25 meters into rocky terrain near Masca in Tenerife. His death was ruled accidental by a British inquest.
Was anyone else involved in Jay Slater’s death?
No. Authorities found no evidence of third-party involvement.
Where was Jay Slater found?
His body was found in a deep ravine near the village of Masca in northern Tenerife.
What happened to the Jay Slater GoFundMe money?
The funds were used for search operations, repatriation, funeral costs, and family support during the search period.
