Jay Slater – latest: Mother calls for more GoFundMe donations to give teen ‘send-off he deserves’
Jay Slater’s mother has asked for more donations for the public to give her boy the funeral “he deserves” as she tries to bring his body back home.
Debbie Duncan remains on the Spanish island of Tenerife after the 19-year-old’s body was found on Monday.
She wrote an update on the GoFundMe calling for more donations as the Get Jay Slater Home crowdfunder nears £60,000.
She said: “We are working with agencies to arrange Jay’s repatriation to the UK and the remaining funds, along with any future donations will be used to help with this if needed and to pay for Jay’s funeral costs back home.
“We want to give our boy the send-off he deserves so please do continue to share and support our fundraiser however you can.”
Spanish officials believe the teenager’s death was caused by trauma due to a fall in the rocky area near the northern village of Masca.
Key Points
Jay Slater’s mother wants to give her boy the ‘send-off he deserves’ in heartbreaking GoFundMe update
Jay Slater’s mother says ‘our hearts are broken’
Body found in Tenerife belongs to Jay Slater, autopsy confirms
Emotional vigil held in Jay Slater’s hometown
Heartwrenching tributes left for Jay Slater by family close to where teen’s body was found
TikToker fears he may have walked past Jay Slater’s body ‘five or six times’ during Tenerife search
Tuesday 16 July 2024 16:03 , Andy Gregory
A TikToker who answered family pleas to join the hunt for Jay Slater in Tenerife is puzzled by the discovery of his body in an area he believed had been searched thoroughly.
Londoner Callum Fahim scoured the rocky ravines of the Spanish island with a search party just days after the apprentice bricklayer vanished outside a remote Airbnb in Masca.
Mr Fahim spoke to The Independent shortly after a Spanish court said autopsy fingerprinting confirmed the body belongs to the teenager. He said: “I’m absolutely devastated.
“We searched that area on the first day right next to where he was found further down. It is very dangerous there and inaccessible really. They had to get a helicopter to lift searchers out of there.
He added: “I am gutted we couldn’t find him sooner because there would have been a chance to save his life. I will always question myself - could I have done better? I do feel like I failed a little bit, no matter what people say. I imagine I’ve walked past him five or six times.”
My colleague Barney Davis has more details from the interview here:
TikToker fears he may have walked past Jay Slater’s body ‘five or six times’
Jay Slater's family are 'devastated' after 'worst fears realised'
Tuesday 16 July 2024 16:20 , Tara Cobham
Jay Slater’s family are “devastated” after “their worst fears have been realised”, the chief of a charity supporting his loved ones has said.
LBT Global’s Matthew Searle MBE was talking to the teenager’s mother Debbie Duncan, 55, when the news that her son’s body had been identified broke.
Mr Searle told The Independent: “It’s just the worst news they could possibly expect. There’s always that slim hope until confirmation comes that they’ve got it wrong and it’s someone else, but sadly they have’t got it wrong and their worst fears have been realised.”
He added: “They’re pretty much lost for words – just how devastated they are.”
Ms Duncan is still in Tenerife along with the 19-year-old’s father Warren Slater, 47, as well as one of his friends Brandon Hodgson, 19. Mr Searle said the family are not currently disclosing when they will be returning home to the UK, nor releasing any funeral details at this time.
Trolling put Jay Slater's mother through more 'stress and trauma' on top of ordeal
Tuesday 16 July 2024 16:39 , Tara Cobham
Online trolling put Jay Slater’s mother through “additional stress and trauma” on top of the already “incredibly difficult” situation she was enduring over her missing son.
Matthew Searle, CEO of the charity LBT Global, which is supporting the teenager’s family, told The Independent: “She’s found it incredibly difficult dealing with this whole situation, but with the additional stress and trauma put on her by the amount of obscene trolling, armchair detectives, so-called experts and specialists – it’s been really hard on her and the family.”
He compared it to the frenzied online speculation that surrounded the Nicola Bulley case, which was condemned by some of her loved ones.
Three unanswered questions about British teen’s disappearance on Tenerife
Tuesday 16 July 2024 17:09 , Andy Gregory
“All indications” suggest that the body found could be that of Jay Slater, who “could have died due to an accidental fall in the steep and inaccessible area where he was found”, the Civil Guard has said.
With post-mortem and forensic investigations yet to conclude, questions remain over how the apprentice bricklayer went missing in an area inundated with tourists:
Three unanswered questions about missing teen Jay Slater’s disappearance in Tenerife
Oswaldtwistle resident expresses sympathy for Jay Slater family
Tuesday 16 July 2024 17:39 , Andy Gregory
Sarah, a resident from Jay Slater’s hometown of Oswaldtwistle, told BBC Radio Lancashire: “I didn’t know the lad personally … but it’s close to home so it affects you. It’s so sad for his mum, dad, his friends and family.”
Sarah said she was among residents who had tied blue ribbons outside their houses to show support to Jay’s family, adding: “They’re all still everywhere. It’s really sad.”
Jay Slater was ‘hardworking apprentice with bright future’, says college
Tuesday 16 July 2024 18:03 , Andy Gregory
Accrington and Rossendale College, where Jay Slater was an apprentice bricklayer, has released a statement to the BBC stating the college is “deeply saddened to hear the news” of the 19-year-old’s death.
“Jay was a hard-working apprentice ... with a very bright future ahead of him and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him,” the statement said.
Acknowledging that the past month has been an “incredibly difficult time”, the college said it would provide support and resources for those who need it.
Watch: Jay Slater's friend recalls final phone call before teenager went missing in Tenerife
Tuesday 16 July 2024 18:31 , Andy Gregory
Church in Jay Slater hometown to open this evening to support community
Tuesday 16 July 2024 19:01 , Andy Gregory
West End Methodist Church in Oswaldtwistle is set to open this evening for people to light a candle, say prayers and write messages of support to the loved ones of Jay Slater, the Lancashire Telegraph reports.
Reverend Matt Smith was quoted as saying: “We are going to open the church from 7pm to 8pm for people to come and be together.
“It won’t be a service, that will be on Sunday as normal at 10.30am, but it’s a place for people to come together, to support each other and say prayers and write messages of support for the family and be together.”
Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was his body found?
Tuesday 16 July 2024 19:38 , Andy Gregory
When British teenager Jay Slater vanished in northern Tenerife a month ago, the case captured the attention of the nation.
Tens of thousands of pounds were donated by the public to fund the search, with some even volunteering to fly over to the popular holiday island to assist. Helicopters, sniffer dogs and, in the last days of the search, private experts were brought in, in the hope of finding the Lancashire teenager.
The search followed Mr Slater’s last known steps through treacherous valleys and dangerous ravines until his body was found after four gruelling weeks.
My colleague Alexander Butler has more details:
Tenerife mapped: Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was his body found?
Jay Slater’s mother ‘would have never given up looking for him’, say former headteachers
Tuesday 16 July 2024 20:15 , Andy Gregory
The headteachers at Jay Slater’s former primary and secondary schools have released new statements following the discovery of his body in Tenerife.
Andrew Williams, of Rhyddings High School, and James McBride of West End Primary School, said all members of their communities sent their deepest sympathies to anyone who knew the 19-year-old.
“As a devoted mother, we know Debbie would have never given up looking for Jay, and she and the family are firmly in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” their statement said.
“We hope that this tragic discovery will not only dispel any rumours, but allow the family to return with their son and afford them the dignity of their private grief and mourning.”
Full report: Jay Slater’s ‘devastated’ family say their worst fears have been realised
Tuesday 16 July 2024 20:39 , Andy Gregory
Jay Slater's “devastated” family have said their “worst fears have been realised” after a body found in the search for the missing British teenager has been confirmed as him.
The CEO of the charity LBT Global, which has been supporting Mr Slater’s family during the ordeal, said he was with the teenager’s mother Debbie Duncan, 55, when the “worst news” broke.
Speaking of Mr Slater’s family, Matthew Searle told The Independent: “It’s just the worst news they could possibly expect. There’s always that slim hope until confirmation comes that they’ve got it wrong and it’s someone else, but sadly they haven’t got it wrong and their worst fears have been realised.”
My colleague Tara Cobham has the full report on today’s events:
Jay Slater’s mother says family’s ‘hearts are broken’ after teenager’s body found
What did Spanish authorities say today?
Tuesday 16 July 2024 20:59 , Andy Gregory
Spanish authorities have confirmed that the body found in Tenerife was that of Jay Slater and that the injuries he sustained were compatible with an accidental fall.
“We have a positive ID,” a court spokesperson said. “Fingerprinting confirms that the body belongs to Jay Slater and the death was due to multiple traumas compatible with a fall in the mountainous area.”
Mapped: Jay Slater's last known whereabouts
Tuesday 16 July 2024 21:48 , Andy Gregory
Emotional vigil held in Jay Slater’s hometown
Tuesday 16 July 2024 22:32 , Athena Stavrou
Dozens of balloons have been released in Jay Slater’s hometown as those who knew him held an emotional vigil in memory of the teenager.
Tearful locals comforted each other in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, on the day authorities in Tenerife confirmed they had found his body in the Rural de Teno park.
While Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan, and father, Warren Slater, are still on the island as four weeks of gruelling searching come to a close, loved ones in the UK paid tribute.
Jay’s football coach, Pam Kierons, laid flowers in memory of the apprentice bricklayer and told The Mirror: “I’m devastated for the family, devastated for Debbie. The outcome is not what anyone wanted, but at least they can bring his body home.
“It’s disgusting that people have dug into past issues and come up with crazy conspiracy theories. Sadly the most likely thing to have happened has happened.”
Reverend Matt Smith told the paper: “Our thoughts and our prayers are with them. We’re here and supporting them for when they need us.”
Blue ribbons were tied to trees and lamp posts across the area as dozens of blue balloons were released.
Jay Slater’s mother ‘devastated’, family source says
Tuesday 16 July 2024 22:34 , Andy Gregory
A family source told The Sun that Jay’s mother Debbie Duncan was completely devastated, saying: “It’s the news they’ve all been dreading. She has a lot of questions which she hopes will be answered in the coming days.
“It hasn’t completely sunk in yet. The hardest thing for her is to hear he was found so close to the original search site. It’s hard to take. It means it’s entirely possible they have walked past his body whilst searching for him.
“It seems incredible so many people walked that area and yet he was so close. As we have seen with mountainous terrain and ravines, it does happen — no matter how hard that is to believe.”
Jay Slater’s mother laments ‘the worst news'
Tuesday 16 July 2024 23:15 , Andy Gregory
Matthew Searle MBE, head of the charity LBT Global, was talking to Jay Slater’s mother Debbie Duncan at the time the news of the autopsy confirmation broke, and she and Jay’s family were devastated at the news, the charity said
Ms Duncan said: “I just can’t believe it – we’re here with the Embassy staff waiting for an update and now it’s come – the worst news”.
TikToker fears he may have walked past Jay Slater’s body ‘five or six times’
Wednesday 17 July 2024 00:10 , Andy Gregory
A TikToker who answered family pleas to join the hunt for Jay Slater in Tenerife is puzzled by the discovery of his body in an area he believed had been searched thoroughly.
Londoner Callum Fahim scoured the rocky ravines of the Spanish island with a search party just days after the apprentice bricklayer vanished outside a remote Airbnb in Masca.
Mr Fahim spoke to The Independent shortly after a Spanish court said autopsy fingerprinting confirmed the body belongs to the teenager, and said he feared he may have walked past the body “five or six times”.
TikToker fears he may have walked past Jay Slater’s body ‘five or six times’
Coroner has no found no indication of criminal activity, charity says
Wednesday 17 July 2024 01:18 , Tara Cobham
Jay Slater’s body should be repatriated to the UK in the coming days, according to a charity supporting his family.
Matthew Searle, chief executive of LBT Global, told The Independent his charity and Mr Slater’s family are “working closely” with Spanish authorities following the autopsy results.
He said: “As the coroner hasn’t found any indication of criminal activity, the body will be released soon and repatriated to the UK. We would expect that to happen in the coming days.”
Watch: Britons using new safety measures in Tenerife after Jay Slater disappearance
Wednesday 17 July 2024 02:31 , Andy Gregory
Timeline: The search for missing teenager Jay Slater in Tenerife
Wednesday 17 July 2024 03:41 , Andy Gregory
Here is a timeline of the key events prior to Jay Slater’s disappearance and leading up to the discovery of his body:
Timeline: The search for missing teenager Jay Slater in Tenerife
Body found ‘in very inaccessible area’
Wednesday 17 July 2024 04:55 , Andy Gregory
Jay Slater’s phone was last located near a stretch of road by the Mirador La Cruz de Hilda, a cafe near the village of Masca with cacti and dense shrubbery on either side, which had made it slow work for helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs to comb through the area.
The body discovered on Monday morning was found by Civil Guard mountain rescue specialists in a “very inaccessible” area, officials said.
Civil Guard insist they continued search discreetly
Wednesday 17 July 2024 05:59 , Andy Gregory
Tenerife’s civil guard insists it had continued its search discreetly, despite having publicly called off the search over two weeks ago.
After 13 days of searching, the Spanish authorities called off the search on June 30, but said they were continuing their investigation.
However upon recovering Jay Slater’s body on Monday, they revealed they had indeed continued an “incessant and discreet” search in which the “natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers”.
Jay Slater's family 'take small comfort' from belief he died instantly
Wednesday 17 July 2024 07:02 , Tara Cobham
Jay Slater's family have taken "very small comfort" in their belief that he died instantly after falling from a significant height, a charity chief who has been speaking with his mother has said.
Matthew Searle, chief executive of LBT Global, told The Independent he had been speaking with Debbie Duncan, 55, at length after Spanish authorities concluded her son's injuries were consistent with an accidental fall.
Mr Searle, whose charity has been supporting Mr Slater's family during this ordeal, said they had looked closely at the area where the rescue teams were searching when they found the 19-year-old's body.
“Chances are if he did fall from a height where we saw the recovery teams then it’s very unlikely he would have known much about it,” said the charity CEO. “That takes away the horrible nightmare idea that he fell and was waiting for help that never came. It’s very small comfort, but it is some.”
Charity to enter talks with Home Secretary
Wednesday 17 July 2024 09:19 , Alex Ross
The spiralling of theories spouted out by people on Facebook groups hindered the search for Jay Salter, claims the boss of the charity which helped his family.
The case attracted huge worldwide attention, after the 19-year-old went missing while on holiday in the island.
But while people thought they might be helping the search teams’ efforts on the ground, Mattheew Searle, chief executive of LBT Global, said they were, in fact, hindering them.
He’s also spoken of his concern over the vile comments spread about the teenager, which he said caused pain for the family.
He now plans to talk to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on how to tackle the issue.
Family pain suffered at the hands of trolls
Wednesday 17 July 2024 10:22 , Alex Ross
As reported, charity LBT Global has been helping the family of Jay Slater.
It produced a statement on behalf of Jay’s mother after he was found, and now chief executive Matthew Searle has been speaking on the teenager’s mother, Debbie Duncan’s, behalf.
When interviewed by The Independent, Mr Searle said frenzies speculation and online trolling had made it “incredibly difficult” for the family.
He said: “She’s [Debbie Duncan] found it incredibly difficult dealing with this whole situation, but with the additional stress and trauma put on her by the amount of obscene trolling, armchair detectives, so-called experts and specialists – it’s been really hard on her and the family.”
Mr Searle plans to speak to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper on the issue
People posting ‘vile stuff’ online
Wednesday 17 July 2024 11:23 , Alex Ross
Sky News focused in on some of the theories that circulated during the disappearance of Jay Slater, asking charity LBT Global, which supported the family, how they had impacted the search.
Matthew Searle, the charity’s chief executive, said it took teams a “huge amount of time” to eliminate the ideas flown about that were untrue.
Hundreds of emails were also sent to his charity from people who claimed they knew how Jay was - each one of them had to be followed up, Mr Searle said.
Mr Searle said: “Ultimately it hinders the search and it’s terrifyingly horrible for a family that are going through this.”
Bringing Jay’s body home
Wednesday 17 July 2024 12:23 , Alex Ross
LBT Global, which has been helping the family of Jay Slater, says it is looking at bringing Jay Slater’s body back to Lancashire.
Chief executive Matthew Searle said he was dealing with “massive paperwork, translations and logistics” in an interview with Sky News.
It’s more than four weeks since the 19-year-old left his home to go on holiday with friends on the Spanish island.
‘I’m sorry we never found you’ - Jay Slater’s mother in floral tribute
Wednesday 17 July 2024 14:20 , Alex Ross
Floral tributes have been left by Jay Slater’s family beside a large rock that overlooks the ravine in Tenerife where his body was found on Monday morning.
As reported in the Daily Mail, the memorial includes a teddy bear wearing an England shirt and a red jar with a candle.
One note on flowers signed ‘mum’, reads: “To my beautiful boy. I’m so sorry we never found you. I miss you so much. You will be forever young and forever missed.”
Another moving message by father Warren Slater reads: ‘To my Boy, Love Dad, Always, XXXX’.
Mother’s personal message
Wednesday 17 July 2024 16:10 , Alex Ross
We’ve been speaking to Matthew Searle, boss at charity LBT Global, who has been helping Jay Slater’s mother as they look to bring the teenager’s body back home.
He has issued a personal message from mother Debbie Duncan, which reads: “Thank you very much for the thousands of messages of love and support she [Debbie] has received. She is overwhelmed at the moment but will try to reply to them all in due course.”
He said the group was helping Debbie work through the documents and translations to ensure repatriation “goes smoothly” - although Jay’s body isn’t expected to fly home for at least a week.
Mr Searle said he hoped Debbie would be returning home to the UK on the same flight.
Still questions over Jay’s death
Wednesday 17 July 2024 17:30 , Alex Ross
Matthew Searle, chief executive of charity LBT Global, which has been supporting the family, said that while the family had now confirmation over Jay’s death and how he died, there were still some unanswered questions.
He told The Independent that they will still “wonder” why the 19-year-old was in the ravine, off the main road, when he died, and where he was heading to exactly.
They are questions the family may never find out, but they will soon be able to fly his body home for a funeral.
‘Time to grieve’
Wednesday 17 July 2024 18:30 , Alex Ross
Now the family have the body of Jay Slater, the process of bringing the 19-year-old’s body home has started.
Matthew Searle, boss at charity LBT Global, said his group was helping with documents and translation as part of the repatriation process.
He said, while the family is devastated, the discovery of Jay’s body will bring some closure.
He said: “They can begin to grieve. When you have the discovery, you have a body and you can it take it home and you can grieve and then start the process of trying to rebuild your lives.”
GoFundMe proceeds could be used for repatriation costs
Wednesday 17 July 2024 19:30 , Alex Ross
Almost £60,000 has been raised on the GoFundMe page for Jay Slater’s search.
Now his body has been found, the BBC says it understands some of it could be used for repatriation costs.
The family is working through documents to return the teenager’s body home with the help of charity LBT Global.
It’s hoped insurance money will cover the cost of returning Jay’s body home - but the fundraiser proceeds offer another option.
Three unanswered questions
Wednesday 17 July 2024 20:30 , Alex Ross
Despite the discovery of Jay Slater’s body, questions still remain.
They include;
Why was he in the national park?
Why did he choose to walk instead of wait for a bus?
Who were the men he was with?
Here we take a look at the the three questions:
Three unanswered questions about missing teen Jay Slater’s disappearance in Tenerife
‘So much to do'
Wednesday 17 July 2024 22:30 , Alex Ross
Work is taking place to repatriate Jay Slater’s body with the family working through documents with help from charity LBT Global.
The teenager’s body was discovered on Monday, and now it’s hoped the family can bring it home to Lancashire for a funeral.
Speaking to the BBC, Matthew Searle, chief executive of LBT Global, said: “There is so much to do, and obviously when you’re in a foreign country, and you don’t speak the language, and you’ve got no-one around you to help really, and you’re in the position that Jay’s parents are in... it’s just not the kind of thing that you cope with, it’s just overwhelming.”
It’s not thought the process will be complete for at least a week.
Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was his body found?
Wednesday 17 July 2024 23:30 , Alex Ross
When British teenager Jay Slater vanished in northern Tenerife a little under a month ago, the case captured the attention of the nation.
Tens of thousands of pounds were donated by the public to fund the search, with some even volunteering to fly over to the popular holiday island to assist.
Helicopters, sniffer dogs and, in the last days of the search, private experts were brought in, in the hope of finding the Lancashire teenager.
The search followed Mr Slater’s last known steps through treacherous valleys and dangerous ravines until a body, thought to be the remains of the 19-year-old, was found after four gruelling weeks.
Tenerife mapped: Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was his body found?
Jay’s body to be brought home
Thursday 18 July 2024 01:00 , Athena Stavrou
LBT Global, which has been helping the family of Jay Slater, says it is looking at bringing Jay Slater’s body back to Lancashire.
Chief executive Matthew Searle said he was dealing with “massive paperwork, translations and logistics” in an interview with Sky News.
It’s more than four weeks since the 19-year-old left his home to go on holiday with friends on the Spanish island.
Coroner has no found no indication of criminal activity, charity says
Thursday 18 July 2024 03:00 , Athena Stavrou
Jay Slater’s body should be repatriated to the UK in the coming days, according to a charity supporting his family.
Matthew Searle, chief executive of LBT Global, told The Independent his charity and Mr Slater’s family are “working closely” with Spanish authorities following the autopsy results.
He said: “As the coroner hasn’t found any indication of criminal activity, the body will be released soon and repatriated to the UK. We would expect that to happen in the coming days.”
Civil Guard insist they continued search discreetly
Thursday 18 July 2024 04:30 , Athena Stavrou
Tenerife’s civil guard insists it had continued its search discreetly, despite having publicly called off the search over two weeks ago.
After 13 days of searching, the Spanish authorities called off the search on June 30, but said they were continuing their investigation.
However upon recovering Jay Slater’s body on Monday, they revealed they had indeed continued an “incessant and discreet” search in which the “natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers”.
Jay Slater’s mother ‘would have never given up looking for him’, say former headteachers
Thursday 18 July 2024 06:00 , Athena Stavrou
The headteachers at Jay Slater’s former primary and secondary schools have released new statements following the discovery of his body in Tenerife.
Andrew Williams, of Rhyddings High School, and James McBride of West End Primary School, said all members of their communities sent their deepest sympathies to anyone who knew the 19-year-old.
“As a devoted mother, we know Debbie would have never given up looking for Jay, and she and the family are firmly in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” their statement said.
“We hope that this tragic discovery will not only dispel any rumours, but allow the family to return with their son and afford them the dignity of their private grief and mourning.”
Jay Slater’s family ‘take small comfort’ from belief he died instantly
Thursday 18 July 2024 22:51 , Athena Stavrou
Jay Slater’s family have taken “very small comfort” in their belief that he died instantly after falling from a significant height, a charity chief who has been speaking with his mother has said.
Matthew Searle, chief executive of LBT Global, told The Independent he had been speaking with Debbie Duncan, 55, at length after Spanish authorities concluded her son’s injuries were consistent with an accidental fall.
Mr Searle, whose charity has been supporting Mr Slater’s family during this ordeal, said they had looked closely at the area where the rescue teams were searching when they found the 19-year-old’s body.
“Chances are if he did fall from a height where we saw the recovery teams then it’s very unlikely he would have known much about it,” said the charity CEO.
“That takes away the horrible nightmare idea that he fell and was waiting for help that never came. It’s very small comfort, but it is some.”
Heartwrenching tributes left for Jay Slater by family close to where teen’s body was found
Thursday 18 July 2024 08:36 , Barney Davis
The family of Jay Slater have left floral tributes tied up close to the scene where his body was discovered.
One was left next to a single rose and read: “Love you little bro. Never in a million years did I think I’d be doing this. I’ll look after mum and dad.”
His mother Debbie Duncan wrote: “To my beautiful boy. I’m so sorry we never found you. I miss you so much. You will be forever young and forever missed. Love you so much, Mum.”
Another was tied with a blue ribbon and signed with: “To my boy. Love Dad, always.”
Tenerife search teams found Jay Slater’s body on Monday. They said they had continued to carry out an “incessant and discreet” search in which the “natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers”.
Jay Slater's family 'take small comfort' from belief he died instantly
Thursday 18 July 2024 09:46 , Barney Davis
Jay Slater’s family have taken “very small comfort” in their belief that he died instantly after falling from a significant height, a charity chief who has been speaking with his mother has said.
Matthew Searle, chief executive of LBT Global, told The Independent he had been speaking with Debbie Duncan, 55, at length after Spanish authorities concluded her son’s injuries were consistent with an accidental fall.
Mr Searle, whose charity has been supporting Mr Slater’s family during this ordeal, said they had looked closely at the area where the rescue teams were searching when they found the 19-year-old’s body.
“Chances are if he did fall from a height where we saw the recovery teams then it’s very unlikely he would have known much about it,” said the charity CEO.
“That takes away the horrible nightmare idea that he fell and was waiting for help that never came. It’s very small comfort, but it is some.”
Three unanswered questions about Jay Slater’s disappearance on Tenerife
Thursday 18 July 2024 11:58 , Barney Davis
A body has been found in the search for missing British teenager Jay Slater along with his clothing and possessions, nearly a month after he went missing in Tenerife.
The 19-year-old was last heard from on Monday 17 June, when he phoned his friend Lucy Law at 8.15am to say that he was lost, dehydrated and had 1 per cent phone battery.
Three unanswered questions about missing teen Jay Slater’s disappearance in Tenerife
Tenerife mapped: Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was his body found?
Thursday 18 July 2024 13:01 , Barney Davis
When British teenager Jay Slater vanished in northern Tenerife a little under a month ago, the case captured the attention of the nation.
Tens of thousands of pounds were donated by the public to fund the search, with some even volunteering to fly over to the popular holiday island to assist.
Helicopters, sniffer dogs and, in the last days of the search, private experts were brought in, in the hope of finding the Lancashire teenager.
Tenerife mapped: Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was his body found?
Jay Slater’s mother wants to give her boy the ‘send-off he deserves’ in heartbreaking GoFundMe update
Thursday 18 July 2024 13:56 , Barney Davis
Debbie Duncan wrote on the Get Jay Slater Home fundraiser which is nearing £60,000 on Thursday afternoon.
She said: “Hello everyone, thank you for all of your kindness, support and condolences in light of the tragic news that Jay’s body has been found. We are overwhelmed with grief and are so grateful for your support.
“The wonderful team from The Netherlands, Signi Zoekhondon, have remained in Spain all week and have continued to support us since Jay was found. They are due to fly home in the coming days and we are so appreciative of their dedication and support.
“We would like to thank LBT Global for their support during this impossible time.
“We are working with agencies to arrange Jay’s repatriation to the UK and the remaining funds, along with any future donations will be used to help with this if needed and to pay for Jay’s funeral costs back home. We want to give our boy the send-off he deserves so please do continue to share and support our fundraiser however you can.”
Ben Ross: British mother flies to Majorca to look for missing trainee barrister son
Thursday 18 July 2024 15:02 , Barney Davis
After the tragedy of Jay Slater’s body being discovered on Monday another British mother is going through hell trying to find her son in Majorca.
Ben Ross, 26, had moved to the tourist hotspot of Palma to take a break from studying as a barrister in June 2024.
But after being having his belongings stolen during a trip to the beach, his family said a series of events have led to him going missing.
Ben Ross: British mother flies to Majorca to look for missing trainee barrister son
Get Jay Home GoFundMe doubles £30,000 target
Thursday 18 July 2024 16:42 , Barney Davis
Jay could have been looking for way to beach - claim
Thursday 18 July 2024 18:30 , Barney Davis
After Jay Slater’s body was discovered in the valley close to where his phone last pinged, questions have been asked on where he was heading.
The 19-year-old’s body was found in the Valley of Barranco de Juan Lopez, close to the village of Masca.
The village is where the teenager left an Airbnb he went to with two men after a music event on 16 June.
The Signi Zoekhonden charity said it was working in the valley to ensure nothing was left which could explain how the young man died.
Search coordinator Esther van Neerbos told Sky News it was likely Jay was walking down the valley in a shortcut to get tothe sea.
“I think this was a shorter way to go back, to get to the beach,” she said.
“By the beach is his house [holiday accommodation] so probably he wanted to do that.”
Full story: Jay Slater’s mum urges more donations to give him ‘send-off he deserves’
Thursday 18 July 2024 20:00 , Athena Stavrou
Jay Slater’s mother has asked for more donations so that she can give the teenager the “send-off he deserves” as she tries to repatriate his body back to the UK.
Debbie Duncan is still on the Spanish island of Tenerife after her 19-year-old son’s remains were found on Monday near the village of Masca.
In a statement released on Thursday on the ‘Get Jay Slater Home’ GoFundMe page, she said: “Hello everyone, thank you for all of your kindness, support and condolences in light of the tragic news that Jay’s body has been found....”
Read the full story below:
Jay Slater’s mother encourages more donations to give him the ‘send-off he deserves’
GoFundMe proceeds could be used for repatriation costs
Thursday 18 July 2024 21:00 , Athena Stavrou
Almost £60,000 has been raised on the GoFundMe page for Jay Slater’s search.
Now his body has been found, the BBC says it understands some of it could be used for repatriation costs.
The family is working through documents to return the teenager’s body home with the help of charity LBT Global.
It’s hoped insurance money will cover the cost of returning Jay’s body home - but the fundraiser proceeds offer another option.
Trolls put ‘additional stress and trauma’ on family
Thursday 18 July 2024 22:30 , Athena Stavrou
Trolls and online armchair detectives put “additional stress and trauma” on Jay Slater’s family, a charity working close to them have said.
Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan, father, Warren Slater, brother and uncle all flew to the island to assist the search, which was sometimes derailed by amateur sleuths getting involved.
Matthew Searle chief executive of Charity LBT Global Ltd told the Independent: “She’s [Debbie Duncan] found it incredibly difficult dealing with this whole situation, but with the additional stress and trauma put on her by the amount of obscene trolling, armchair detectives, so-called experts and specialists – it’s been really hard on her and the family.”
Heartwrenching tributes left for Jay Slater by family close to where teen’s body was found
Friday 19 July 2024 00:01 , Athena Stavrou
The family of Jay Slater have left floral tributes tied up close to the scene where his body was discovered.
One was left next to a single rose and read: “Love you little bro. Never in a million years did I think I’d be doing this. I’ll look after mum and dad.”
His mother Debbie Duncan wrote: “To my beautiful boy. I’m so sorry we never found you. I miss you so much. You will be forever young and forever missed. Love you so much, Mum.”
Another was tied with a blue ribbon and signed with: “To my boy. Love Dad, always.”
Tenerife search teams found Jay Slater’s body on Monday. They said they had continued to carry out an “incessant and discreet” search in which the “natural space was preserved so that it would not be filled with curious onlookers”.
Three unanswered questions about Jay Slater’s disappearance on Tenerife
02:00 , Athena Stavrou
A body has been found in the search for missing British teenager Jay Slater along with his clothing and possessions, nearly a month after he went missing in Tenerife.
The 19-year-old was last heard from on Monday 17 June, when he phoned his friend Lucy Law at 8.15am to say that he was lost, dehydrated and had 1 per cent phone battery.
Three unanswered questions about missing teen Jay Slater’s disappearance in Tenerife
Ben Ross: British mother flies to Majorca to look for missing trainee barrister son
04:00 , Athena Stavrou
A mother has spoken of her personal “torture” as she launches a search for her missing son on the Spanish island of Majorca.
Ben Ross, 26, had moved to the tourist hotspot of Palma to take a break from studying as a barrister in June 2024.
But after being having his belongings stolen during a trip to the beach, his family said a series of events have led to him going missing.
He was left in the tourist hotspot with no money, phone and no way of contacting anyone.
Now his mum Felix is planning to go out to Palma City to find her son.
Ben Ross: British mother flies to Majorca to look for missing trainee barrister son
Tenerife mapped: Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was his body found?
06:00 , Athena Stavrou
When British teenager Jay Slater vanished in northern Tenerife a little under a month ago, the case captured the attention of the nation.
Tens of thousands of pounds were donated by the public to fund the search, with some even volunteering to fly over to the popular holiday island to assist.
Helicopters, sniffer dogs and, in the last days of the search, private experts were brought in, in the hope of finding the Lancashire teenager.
Tenerife mapped: Where was Jay Slater last seen and where was his body found?
