Introduction
It began as a holiday adventure but ended in heartbreak. Nineteen-year-old Jay Slater, a bright-eyed apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, vanished in June 2024 while vacationing in Tenerife. His disappearance stirred international headlines, and now, nearly a year later, the inquest into his tragic death has hit a standstill.
Why? Because Jay’s grieving mother made an emotional courtroom plea—to bring in missing witnesses who might hold the answers.
Let’s unpack everything that happened, what was said in court, and what comes next.
The Tragic Disappearance
From Festival Fun to Fear
Jay had traveled to Playa de las Americas to attend the NRG music festival with friends. It was supposed to be a carefree getaway filled with music, laughter, and memories. But things took a strange and dark turn on the night of June 16, 2024.
Mysterious Car Ride to Masca
According to early reports, Jay left the festival and got into a car with two men, Ayub Qassim and Steven Roccas, who were staying in a remote AirBnB in the mountain village of Masca—far from Jay’s accommodation.
Why did he go with them? What happened at that AirBnB? These are questions that remain unanswered.
Final Phone Call Before Silence
The last known contact Jay had was a phone call to his friend Lucy Law around 8:30 AM BST on June 17. He told her he was lost, had just 1% battery left, and the call cut off. After that—radio silence.
Key Developments from the Inquest
Friends Missing in Action
Preston Coroner’s Court revealed something shocking—several of Jay’s friends were unreachable. Witnesses who might clarify events from that night, including Lucy Law and Bradley Geoghan, weren’t present.
Geoghan, also known as Bradley Hargreaves, was reportedly on a pre-booked family holiday. The court accepted this but postponed proceedings to ensure his future attendance.
AirBnB and Unknown Occupants
Authorities also failed to track down Qassim and Roccas—two key figures who were the last known people Jay was with. Despite involvement from the Metropolitan Police, their whereabouts remain unknown.
Toxicology Findings Revealed
Jay’s toxicology report showed he had consumed MDMA, cocaine, and ketamine. He was clearly intoxicated, although the timing of ingestion isn’t certain. His body was eventually discovered in a ravine on July 15, with fatal head injuries consistent with a fall.
A Mother’s Desperate Plea
Emotional Moments in Court
Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan, broke down in tears during the hearing. She asked the senior coroner, Dr. James Adeley, to find and summon those missing witnesses.
Debbie Duncan’s Demand for Answers
“We want these people to be sat in front of us,” she cried. “Our son went on holiday and didn’t come back.”
Her plea wasn’t just about grief—it was a demand for justice, or at the very least, understanding.
Coroner’s Response and Adjournment
Dr. Adeley acknowledged the difficulties in locating the witnesses but agreed to intensify efforts, stating they would use “whatever means we can.” The inquest was formally adjourned.
Critical Witness Testimonies
What Joshua Forshaw Saw and Heard
One witness who did appear, Joshua Forshaw, had met Jay at the airport and later saw him at the music festival.
He told the court Jay seemed in a “happy mood” but was also “off his head,” implying heavy substance use. Later, he received a chilling photo of Jay with two knives tucked into his trousers—captioned “in case it kicks off.”
The Mysterious “Luxury Watch” and Knife Photo
Forshaw recounted Jay talking about “two kids” who had stolen an “AP” (Audemars Piguet—a luxury watch) and how Jay hoped to sell it for “10 quid,” slang for £1,000.
Local Encounter in Masca
A local man, Ramon Hernandez, recalled seeing Jay in Masca on the morning of June 17. Jay asked about taxis or buses to Los Cristianos. Hernandez told him there were no taxis and the next bus wasn’t until 10 AM.
This sighting confirms Jay was trying to find his way back—but never made it.
The Search for Answers
Efforts to Locate Missing Witnesses
Despite months of effort, the search for Qassim and Roccas has yielded nothing. Their testimonies could be crucial in understanding what led Jay to that ravine.
Role of Metropolitan and Lancashire Police
Both police forces are now involved in tracking down leads—examining digital evidence and retracing Jay’s final movements.
Forensic Expert Weighs In
Dr. Richard Shepherd, a forensic pathologist, confirmed Jay’s cause of death was severe head trauma. He found no evidence of restraint or assault—but did admit a push couldn’t be ruled out entirely.
Social Media and Public Speculation
Rumors, Theories, and Trolling
As Jay’s story gained traction online, so did the rumors. Conspiracy theories flooded social media, some cruelly targeting his family and friends.
Impact on Jay’s Family
The toll on Debbie Duncan and her family has been immense—not just from the loss but from the constant online scrutiny and speculation.
Looking Forward
The Inquest’s Next Steps
With proceedings adjourned, the next stage will hinge on locating and hearing from the key missing witnesses. Their testimony could bring clarity—or raise even more questions.
What the Family Hopes to Achieve
Ultimately, the Slater family wants peace of mind. They want to understand what really happened in those final hours. That starts with getting everyone in front of the court and on the record.
Conclusion
Jay Slater’s disappearance shocked a nation. Now, his family is left seeking answers—and they deserve every one of them. The inquest, though delayed, may yet reveal the truth. Until then, his story remains a haunting mystery, echoing through the cliffs of Tenerife and the hearts of those he left behind.
FAQs
1. What happened to Jay Slater?
Jay Slater disappeared after a music festival in Tenerife and was found dead a month later in a ravine. His death was ruled consistent with a fall.
2. Why was the inquest delayed?
The inquest was delayed after his mother pleaded with the coroner to locate missing witnesses crucial to understanding Jay’s final hours.
3. Who are the key witnesses?
Key figures include Lucy Law, Bradley Geoghan, Ayub Qassim, and Steven Roccas—people Jay interacted with just before he vanished.
4. Was foul play suspected?
There was no evidence of assault or restraint on Jay’s body, but a push can’t be entirely ruled out.
5. When will the inquest resume?
No official date has been set. The court is focused on finding the missing witnesses before proceeding.