News
Jay Slater’s mum issues update through GoFundMe after body found in search for missing teen
The search in Tenerife went on for weeks.
Daisy Jackson -
19th July 2024 
Jay Slater’s mum has shared a statement through a GoFundMe that was set up for her missing son, after a body was found in Tenerife.
The 19-year-old went missing on 17 June, shortly after calling a friend to say he was lost and that his phone was running out of charge.
Jay Slater, from Lancashire, had been partying with friends at a music festival in Tenerife but had gone to an Airbnb in the Rural de Teno national park with two men he’d met.
It was around an 11 hour walk from where Jay was staying.
A frantic and widespread search has been taking place on the island for four weeks.
On Monday, a body was found near to where Jay’s last movements were traced to, and an autopsy later confirmed it to be that of the missing teen.
A GoFundMe set up by one of Jay Slater’s friends had already raised tens of thousands of pounds, and his mum Debbie Duncan is now urging people to keep donating to give Jay ‘the send-off he deserves’.
She said that she is ‘overwhelmed with grief’ after Jay’s tragic death, believed to have been caused by a fall.
She wrote: “Hello everyone, thank you for all of your kindness, support and condolences in light of the tragic news that Jay’s body has been found. We are overwhelmed with grief and are so grateful for your support.
“The wonderful team from The Netherlands, Signi Zoekhondon, have remained in Spain all week and have continued to support us since Jay was found. They are due to fly home in the coming days and we are so appreciative of their dedication and support.
“We would like to thank LBT Global for their support during this impossible time. We are working with agencies to arrange Jay’s repatriation to the UK and the remaining funds, along with any future donations will be used to help with this if needed and to pay for Jay’s funeral costs back home.
“We want to give our boy the send-off he deserves so please do continue to share and support our fundraiser however you can.”
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Featured image: GoFundMe
