Jay Slater, a 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, died after going missing while on holiday in Tenerife in June 2024. After a 29-day search, his body was found in a remote ravine near the village of Masca. A British inquest in 2025 ruled his death accidental, caused by a fall from height in hazardous mountain terrain, with no evidence of third-party involvement.
The case attracted intense global media coverage and online speculation, much of which was later disproven by official findings.
Quick Summary of Events
- Jay travelled to Tenerife in June 2024 for the NRG music festival.
- He was last heard from on 17 June 2024, when he called a friend saying he was lost, thirsty, and had a low phone battery.
- His phone signal was last detected near a rocky area before it died.
- A large-scale search lasted 29 days.
- His body was discovered on 15 July 2024 in the Juan López ravine near Masca.
- The inquest ruled his death accidental, with no third-party involvement.
Who Was Jay Slater?
Jay Slater was described by his family as a happy, lively young man who loved life. He lived in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, worked as an apprentice bricklayer, and had an older brother, Zak. He 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 attend the NRG music festival in Playa de las Américas. It was intended as a celebration but ended in tragedy.
What Happened on the Holiday?
Jay attended a rave in southern Tenerife. Afterwards, he met two men and went with them to an Airbnb in the remote mountainous village of Masca in northern Tenerife.
On the morning of 17 June 2024, Jay left the Airbnb early. He missed his bus back to his own accommodation and chose to walk instead, a route that would have taken many hours through steep, difficult terrain.
His phone battery was critically low (reported as 1%). He called his friend Lucy Law (also referred to as Lucy Mae), telling her he was lost, thirsty, had cut his leg, and needed water. He mentioned mountains all around and said he could not go back to the Airbnb. The call ended when his phone died. That was the last confirmed contact with Jay.
The Search and Discovery
Jay’s disappearance prompted a major search operation involving the Spanish Guardia Civil, mountain rescue teams, helicopters, sniffer dogs, and volunteers. His family travelled to Tenerife and supported additional private search efforts.
After 29 days, on 15 July 2024, Spanish authorities found human remains in the Juan López ravine, a remote and hazardous area near Masca, close to Jay’s last known phone location. The body was formally identified as Jay Slater using fingerprints and palm prints.
Autopsy Results and Inquest Findings (2025)
A post-mortem examination determined that Jay died from traumatic head injuries consistent with a fall from height. There were no signs of restraint, assault, or third-party involvement. Injuries included skull fractures (one across the base and up the left side) and pelvic fractures.
Toxicology reports showed traces of alcohol, cocaine, ketamine, and ecstasy (MDMA) in his system.
The British inquest, held at Preston Coroner’s Court and presided over by Senior Coroner Dr James Adeley, concluded on 25 July 2025. Key findings:
- Jay fell approximately 20–25 metres (66-82 ft) in a particularly dangerous, rocky section of the ravine while attempting to descend.
- He suffered skull fractures and brain trauma, dying instantly or extremely quickly with no prolonged suffering.
- The coroner ruled: “Jay Dean Slater died an accidental death” with no third-party influence.
- Contributing factors may have included the effects of drugs and alcohol, lack of sleep, unsuitable clothing/footwear for mountain terrain, and no prior mountain training or familiarity with the area.
The coroner noted that the pattern of injuries was entirely consistent with a single heavy fall and hoped the findings would bring some comfort to the family.
The GoFundMe Fundraiser
Shortly after Jay went missing, his friend Lucy Law set up a GoFundMe page titled “Get Jay Slater Home” to support search efforts and family costs. The campaign raised approximately £72,821 from thousands of donors worldwide.
In November 2024, Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan, closed the fundraiser. She publicly thanked donors and confirmed the money was used for:
- Supporting the search operation (including private teams)
- Repatriating Jay’s body to the UK
- Funeral and memorial costs
- Family expenses while staying in Tenerife
Debbie stated the funds were spent appropriately during an extremely difficult time.
Online Speculation and Misinformation
The case generated significant online discussion, particularly on TikTok and other platforms. False theories suggested foul play, that Jay was still alive, or that the family misused funds. These claims were repeatedly dismissed by authorities and the family.
The inquest findings directly addressed and refuted many conspiracy theories, confirming no evidence of criminal activity, a stolen Rolex, or any threat to Jay. Debbie Duncan has spoken about the harm caused by “tragedy trolling” and called for better protections for grieving families.
Lessons from the Tragedy
Jay Slater’s death highlights the risks of navigating unfamiliar, rugged terrain, especially after a night involving alcohol and drugs, and with limited phone battery or local knowledge. A seemingly straightforward walk became fatal due to the challenging environment.
The case also underscores the impact of online misinformation on families during crises. While many offered genuine support and donations, unfounded speculation added unnecessary distress.
Jay’s family has expressed that their lives will never be the same, but they remain grateful for the kindness shown by supporters and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jay Slater
How did Jay Slater die?
Jay died from traumatic head injuries and brain trauma after falling approximately 20–25 metres in a rocky ravine near Masca, Tenerife. The coroner ruled his death accidental, and he likely died instantly.
Was anyone else involved in Jay Slater’s death?
No. The inquest found no evidence of third-party involvement, assault, or foul play.
Where was Jay Slater found?
His body was discovered on 15 July 2024 in the Juan López ravine, a remote area near the village of Masca in northern Tenerife, close to his last phone signal.
What happened to the Jay Slater GoFundMe money?
The fundraiser raised £72,821 and was closed in November 2024. The funds supported search efforts, body repatriation, funeral costs, and family expenses during the search period.
When was the inquest into Jay Slater’s death?
The inquest began in May 2025, was adjourned, and concluded on 25 July 2025. The coroner returned a verdict of accidental death.
