British Teenager Jay Slater Missing in Tenerife

Location and Current Situation: Jay Slater, a 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, has been missing on the Spanish island of Tenerife since June 17, 2024. He disappeared while attempting to walk back to his accommodation in the Teno Rural Park area after missing a bus.

Timeline and Last Known Activities:
June 17, 8:30am: Jay contacted his friend Lucy Law, stating he was lost, had a low phone battery, and needed water.
Airbnb Host Encounter: Ophelia Medina, the owner of the Airbnb where Jay stayed the previous night, last saw him around 8am near a bus stop in the village of Masca. She later saw him walking about a kilometer from the property.
CCTV Footage: A blurred image possibly depicting Jay was taken near San Fernando Rey Church in Santiago del Teide around 6pm, ten hours after he last contacted Lucy.

Family’s Involvement:
Warren Slater and Debbie Duncan: Jay’s parents, have actively participated in the search efforts. His father, Warren, arrived in Spain to aid in the search. Debbie has expressed her heartbreak and frustration over the slow progress.
GoFundMe Campaign: A crowdfunding campaign set up by Lucy Law has raised over £33,000 to assist in search efforts, but has been marred by accusations and suspicions of misuse.

Social Media and Criminal Past:
Online Speculation: Jay’s previous criminal involvement in a machete attack has fueled online theories about his disappearance.
Family’s Response: Debbie Duncan publicly addressed these speculations, urging for empathy and support in their search efforts.

Authorities’ Actions:
Search Operations: Spanish Guardia Civil, firefighters, and mountain rescue teams have conducted extensive searches using helicopters, dogs, and drones, initially focusing on the area around Masca before expanding to Santiago del Teide.
Ongoing Investigation: Spanish police are investigating all aspects of Jay’s background and circumstances surrounding his disappearance, considering foul play and other potential scenarios.

Public Appeals:
Both Jay’s parents and friends have made emotional pleas for anyone with information to come forward, as the family endures an increasingly distressing situation.