The tragic death of Jay Slater, a 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, has been ruled accidental by a British coroner. Slater disappeared in Tenerife on 17 June 2024, sparking a month-long search that ended with the discovery of his body in a remote ravine near the village of Masca on 15 July. The coroner, Dr. James Adeley, concluded that Slater died from a fall in a particularly hazardous area, with no evidence of third-party involvement.

A Night Out Turns Tragic

Slater had traveled to Tenerife with friends for his first holiday abroad, attending the NRG music festival in Playa de las Américas. On the night of 16 June, he consumed drugs and alcohol before leaving with two men to an Airbnb in Masca, far from his accommodation in Los Cristianos. Friends reported that Slater intended to return the next day but instead embarked on a perilous 14-hour walk back.

The Inquest Findings

The inquest at Preston Coroner's Court revealed that Slater's fall resulted in severe skull fractures and brain trauma, leading to his instantaneous death. Dr. Adeley noted that Slater's lack of suitable clothing, sleep deprivation, and the effects of drugs likely contributed to the accident. Despite the tragic circumstances, the coroner expressed hope that the factual examination provided some solace to Slater's grieving family.

Family and Friends Remember Jay

Slater's mother, Debbie Duncan, described her son as a "joy to be around," emphasizing the profound impact of his loss on family and friends. "He was very loved, and our hearts are broken," she said. Friends who were with Slater during his final hours recounted their efforts to locate him, highlighting their concern for his well-being.