Jay Slater’s loved ones wear blue at the funeral of the ‘forever 19’ apprentice

Up to 500 mourners attended the funeral of teenager Jay Slater, “who touched the lives of so many people”.

Family and friends crowded into the chapel at Accrington Crematorium to pay their respects to the 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, who tragically died while on holiday in Tenerife.

Many couldn’t fit inside the chapel, so they stood outside in the drizzle, watching the proceedings on a big screen set up for the occasion.

Following the wishes of his family, most attendees wore blue in Jay’s memory. His work colleagues from PH Build Group, where he was an apprentice bricklayer, donned T-shirts emblazoned with ‘Forever 19’.

Funeral director Sarah Barton officiated the service, expressing gratitude on behalf of Jay’s family: “We know Jay touched many lives, and on behalf of the family, I want to thank everyone who has sent heartfelt messages and cards to help them through this incredibly hard and sad time.

“I would also like to thank all those who helped bring Jay safely back to us, including family, friends, kind people in Tenerife, the local police, and all of you for coming today to show your love and care.”

A post-mortem examination revealed that Jay died on June 17 from traumatic head injuries consistent with a fall from height. His death was instantaneous.

Jay had attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance. His last known location was the Rural de Teno Park in northern Tenerife, approximately an 11-hour walk from his accommodation.

He had traveled to an Airbnb in Masca after a night out. However, the two men who rented the property were later ruled “not relevant” to the case.

The Spanish Civil Guard suggested Jay might have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where his body was found.

Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan, father Warren Slater, and elder brother, Zak, listened intently as memories were shared about Jay’s life. He played junior football at Huncoat United from age six to 17, attended West End Primary School, and Rhyddings High School.

In a tribute read aloud during the service, Huncoat United manager Stuart Holt recollected: “I first met Jay when he was six. Debbie brought him to his first football coaching session.

“He already looked the part with his baggy kit and flowing locks. Jay was quiet, shy, and a natural footballer.

“I don’t remember a single incident over those 10 seasons where he clashed with a teammate or an opponent. He would just turn up—often at the last minute because he loved his sleep—and always played with a smile. He was happiest with the ball at his feet.

“You wouldn’t find a teammate with a bad word to say about Jay. Just respect and affection.”

Mrs. Barton commented that Jay made “solid and loyal” friendships throughout his school years.

She said: “There are simply too many friends to mention. Just look here and outside to see how many friends Jay had, whether on Snapchat, Instagram, or in person.

“After school, Jay secured a one-week job trial in the summer with PH Build Group, who then kept him on with a permanent contract. This led to him starting a three-year apprenticeship at Accrington and Rossendale College, where he would have been completing his final assessments in July.”

Jay “loved to party,” she added, stating, “He worked hard and played hard. Jay loved music and dance from an early age. Once he was old enough, he enjoyed going to festivals like Parklife, Creamfields, Leeds Festival, and the Warehouse Project.”

Video clips of Jay’s dance moves and photo tributes were shown during the service.

Mourners were given cards with a picture of Jay and the words ‘Remembering with Love, Jay Dean Slater, Always In Our Hearts, #forever19’.

The back of the card read: “If there was anyone dancing on the way to the other side it was him.”