Jay Slater inquest opens as young bricklayer's body is laid to rest in moving ceremony

 Jay Slater inquest opens as young bricklayer's body is laid to rest in moving ceremony

An inquest has been opened into the death of Jay Slater, who died on holiday in Tenerife.

The 19-year-old disappeared after partying with friends on the island, sparking a four week search. Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, messaged friends on the morning of June 17, 2024, saying he was 28 miles away from their accommodation with one per cent phone battery.

He left an Airbnb property in Masca, to the north of the island but missed the bus and attempted to walk back to his accommodation. On July 19, Jay's body was found in a ravine in the Rural de Tempo National Park. After confirming his identity, investigations concluded he died from a head injury.

His body was flown back to the UK. On Saturday (August 10) a celebration of Jay's life was held at Accrington Crematorium. Around 500 mourners dressed in blue to bid farewell to the apprentice bricklayer.

Hundreds lined the streets and watched the funeral on specially erected screens. Jay's mum, Debbie Duncan, wiped tears from her eyes as her son's body arrived at the chapel in a blue coffin.

Funeral director Sarah Barton officiated at the service and told the congregation: “We know that Jay touched the lives of so many people, and on behalf of the family I would like to thank all those who have sent heartfelt messages and cards to them to help them get through this incredibly hard and sad time.

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

Video clips of Jay’s “dance moves” were shown at the service, as well as photo tributes. Mourners were handed cards with a photograph of the teenager and the words ‘Remembering with Love, Jay Dean Slater, Always In Our Hearts, #forever 19’.

On the back it said: “If there was anyone dancing on the way to the other side it was him.”

An inquest into Jay's death has been opened and adjourned at Preston Coroners' Court. The only evidence taken related to Jay's identity.

A date for the full inquest has not yet been set