Funeral for Missing Teen Found Dead in Tenerife to Be a ‘Celebration of Life’

A teenager who had been missing in Tenerife for more than four weeks will be laid to rest on Saturday. His family has promised that his funeral service will be a “celebration” of his life.

Jay Slater, aged 19, died while on holiday after falling from a height in the remote Rural de Teno national park. He had traveled to the Spanish island with friends to attend a music festival.

On June 17, after leaving the tourist area of Playa de Las Americas in the early hours, Jay traveled to a remote Airbnb in the Masca valley. He then attempted an 11-hour trek back to his hotel through the mountainous area.

Those attending his funeral on August 10 have been asked to wear something blue in his memory.

Jay’s loved ones have also requested that, instead of flowers, people consider donating to LBT Global, an overseas crisis support charity that helped his family during their time of grief.

The teenager, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was last heard from at around 8:50 am. His body was returned to the UK last week.

A post-mortem examination revealed that he died from traumatic head injuries consistent with a fall from height, and that his death would have been instantaneous.

The “celebration of life service” will take place at Accrington Cemetery Chapel before the interment.

Floral tributes will come from the family, but they have said in a statement issued through LBT Global that people are welcome to bring a single rose to place with Jay.

Jay Slater, an apprentice bricklayer, was also remembered by his family in a tribute that detailed the significant events and passions in his life.

The family expressed, “A loving son of Debbie and Warren, a cherished brother of Zak and brother-in-law of Jessica, a treasured grandson of Dawn, June and the late Dougie, a much-loved nephew of Glen and Katie, a dear cousin of Maddie and Tillie, and a loyal friend to many. Jay will be very sadly missed by all those who knew him.”

“After Jay left Rhyddings High School, he went on to become an apprentice bricklayer with the PH Build group, a job he greatly enjoyed,” they said.

“At the young age of five, Jay started playing football for Huncoat United FC until he was 17 and also played a few seasons with the Sunday team at St Joseph’s.”

“He enjoyed chilling out with his friends.”

“Jay’s love of music and dance started at a very young age. He loved attending music festivals and events across the country. He also loved socializing and meeting new people.”

Jay attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance. He then traveled to Masca with two older British men who had rented a property.

Police later clarified that the two men were “not relevant” to the case. In his last phone call to his friend Lucy Law, Jay said he was lost, dehydrated, had injured his leg, and only had one percent phone battery left.

The Spanish Civil Guard suggested that Jay may have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was later found.

His disappearance led to a number of wild conspiracy theories online, including accusations against his family over their GoFundMe page and claims that he had been spotted watching the Euro football matches.

However, after 29 days of searches conducted by police, mountain rescue teams, and amateur searchers, Jay’s body was found in a remote and steep area of the park.