Dozens turn out to remember Lancashire teenager Jay Slater at funeral

The 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle died while on holiday in Tenerife.

Author: By Kellie Maddox and PA reportersPublished 10th Aug 2024
Last updated 10th Aug 2024

Dozens of people have turned out to pay their respects, as the funeral for Jay Slater was held in Lancashire.

The 19-year-old, from Oswaldtwistle, died while on holiday in Tenerife in June.

Well-wishers attended the service, at Accrington Cemetery Chapel, wearing something blue in his memory.

A post-mortem found Jay, who died on June 17, suffered traumatic head injuries, consistent with a fall from height.

Mr Slater, an apprentice bricklayer, was also remembered in a tribute from his family which outlined the major events and passions of his life.

They stated: "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."

The family said: "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."

Mr Slater attended the NRG music festival with two friends before his disappearance, and his last known location was the Rural de Teno Park in the north of the Canary Island, which was about an 11-hour walk from his accommodation.

He had travelled to an Airbnb in Masca after a night out but the two men said to have rented the property were later ruled "not relevant" to the case.

The Spanish Civil Guard said Mr Slater could have fallen in the steep and inaccessible area where he was discovered.

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