The family of Jay Slater, the 19-year-old Brit who was found dead four weeks after going missing in Tenerife, have paid heartfelt tribute to their "loving son" as they announce plans for his funeral. Jay was reported missing on June 17th after attempting to walk back to his holiday accommodation after a music festival on the island.
Jay's funeral is scheduled for next Saturday, August 10th, and will be a "celebration" of his life. In his memory, the family has requested attendees to wear something blue, the colour associated with the young bricklayer. They have also asked for donations to LBT Global, an overseas crisis support charity that aided the family during this difficult time, instead of flowers.
Jay, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, was flown back to the UK last week. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from traumatic head injuries consistent with a fall from height, which would have caused instantaneous death.
The "celebration of life” service will take place at Accrington Cemetery Chapel before his burial. While floral tributes will be from the family, they have welcomed attendees to bring a single rose to place with Jay.
In a statement issued through LBT Global, Jay's family paid tribute to him, outlining the major events and passions of his life. They described him as "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.”
Jay's love for dance music started early, and he attended music festivals and events across the country, enjoying socialising and meeting new people. Before his disappearance, he attended the NRG music festival with two friends in the south of Tenerife. His last known location was the Teno Rural Park in the northwest of Tenerife, about 30 kilometres from where he was staying in Los Cristianos.
Jay had gone to an Airbnb in Masca after a night out, but the two men renting the property were later found to be unrelated to the case. The Guardia Civil believe Jay fell into the steep and inaccessible ravine where his body was found.
As the community prepares to say their final goodbyes, Jay's family continues to remember and honour the vibrant and loving spirit of a young man who touched many lives.
