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THE family of Jay Slater have shared a heartbreaking obituary ahead of the “cherished” teen’s funeral this weekend.
Jay, 19, died on holiday in Tenerife when he fell into a treacherous ravine while attempting a massive 11-hour walk back to accommodation on his own.
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Doug Seeburg
Jay’s family returned to the UK last week, on the same day his body was repatriated.
Now they have released an emotional obituary, saying: “Jay will be very sadly missed by all those who knew him”.
The tribute adds: “After Jay left Rhyddings High School he went on to become an apprentice bricklayer with the PH Build group, a job he greatly enjoyed.
“At the young age of five Jay started playing football for Huncoat United FC until the age of 17 and also did a few seasons with the Sunday team at St Joesph’s too.
“He also loved spending time 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 and also loved to socialise and meet new people.
“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.”
The family has encouraged anyone attending the funeral on Saturday to wear blue and bring family flowers or single roses.
It’s set to be held at the Accrington Cemetery Chapel in Lancashire at 10:30am.
Jay’s family has launched another fundraiser via charity LBT Global, which promises to use proceeds to support families of missing people.
An LBT press release said funds will be used to help “tackle online trolling and misinformation spreading aimed at victims and families of missing people, seen at worryingly high levels throughout Jay’s case”.
An original GoFundMe fundraiser set up by Jay’s pal Lucy Mae has chalked up nearly £75,000 in donations.
Web bullies criticised Jay’s mum Debbie Duncan and other members of the family for encouraging people to donate.
Family and friends lost contact with Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, on the morning of June 17.
He’d attended a music festival Papagayo Beach Club in south Tenerife, before heading to the mountain village of Masca with two other party-goers.
Jay Slater's touching obituary
REMEMBERING with love Jay Dean Slater, of Fountains Way, Oswaldtwistle, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday 17th June 2024, whilst on holiday in Tenerife, aged 19 years.
After Jay left Rhyddings High School he went on to become an apprentice bricklayer with the PH Build group, a job he greatly enjoyed.
At the young age of 5 Jay started playing football for Huncoat United FC until the age of 17 and also did a few seasons with the Sunday team at St Joesph’s too.
He also loved spending time 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 and also loved to socialise and meet new people.
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.
A celebration of life service will be held at 10.30am on Saturday 10th August 2024, at Accrington Cemetery Chapel prior to interment.
Those attending are invited to wear something blue in his memory.
Family flowers only please, but if anyone would like to bring a single rose to place with Jay, they are more than welcome.
The following morning he phoned pal Lucy, telling her he was “lost”, without water and his phone was about to die.
He was never heard from again.
Jay’s dad Warren and brother Zak spent weeks searching the unforgiving terrain for any sign of their beloved teen.
Spanish cops suspended their search, but Jay’s family retraced his steps in the blistering heat for days on their own.
Local police then found Jay’s body nearly a month from his disappearance on July 15.
A post-mortem in the UK confirmed he died of traumatic head injuries consistent with a fall from height.
Timeline of the tragic case
THE grim discovery of a body comes after weeks of agony for Jay’s friends and family. Here is how the events unfolded
Sunday, June 16: Jay and his friends party at the last day of NRG music festival being held at Papagayo night club in Playa de la Americas, Tenerife.
June 17 3-6am: Jay leaves with Ayub Qassim and another man for a £40-a-night Airbnb 23 miles away in the village of Masca.
7.30am: Jay shares a photo on Snapchat standing at doorway of the Airbnb.
8.50am: He calls pal Lucy Mae Law and says he is “lost in the middle of nowhere” with no water, a cut to his leg and one per cent on his phone.
Tuesday, June 18: Pals search area but no sign of Jay. Local cops and mountain rescue teams start official search. Jay’s mother Debbie Duncan flies to Tenerife.
June 19-20: Spanish police deploy drones, dogs and a helicopter, but find no trace. Search moves to Los Cristianos amid possible sighting, but it is ruled out and they return to Rural de Teno, near Masca.
June 21: Lancashire Police offer support but it is declined.
June 22: Mum Debbie issues emotional appeal to Jay saying “We just need you home.”
June 24: Claims of Jay sighting in Santiago del Teide — near to where he disappeared — and family believe a grainy CCTV image could be of him.
June 25: Debbie issues plea for her son to come home as more friends fly out and TV investigator Mark Williams- Thomas joins search.
June 29: Cops rule Mr Qassim, and other man at Airbnb, out of investigation.
June 30: Spanish cops officially suspend hunt but say probe “remains open”. His family continue to search.
July 15: A body is found by helicopter search team close to where his phone last pinged. His possessions are discovered next to human remains. Spanish cops say it points to an “accidental fall”.
Today: Tenerife authorities confirm the body found in mountainous area of island is Jay’s.
Ian Whittaker
Reuters
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