The family of a British teenager are living through every parent's worst nightmare after their son vanished during a holiday in Thailand. Jay Slater, 19, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, has been missing since Monday morning, with his last known location being the popular tourist destination of Tenerife.
Desperate Search for Missing Teen
Jay was last heard from on Monday morning when he contacted a friend to say he faced an arduous 11-hour walk back to his accommodation after missing a bus. The young apprentice bricklayer had travelled to the Spanish island for a holiday with friends, but now a massive search operation is underway to locate him.
His mother, Debbie Duncan, has flown out to Tenerife to join the search efforts, describing the situation as "an absolute living nightmare". In an emotional statement, she said: "He's just your average 19-year-old lad, loves his football, loves life, loves his family."
Family's Emotional Plea
The distraught family have made heartfelt appeals for information about Jay's whereabouts. His sister, Leah, posted on social media: "If anyone can help in any way, Jay's family and friends are desperate for news and information."
Local authorities in Tenerife have confirmed that search efforts are continuing around the mountainous area where Jay was last known to be. The Guardia Civil are leading the operation with support from mountain rescue teams and helicopters.
Community Rallies Behind Family
Back home in Lancashire, the community has rallied around the Slater family, with friends and neighbours expressing their shock and concern. A GoFundMe page set up to support the family's search efforts has raised thousands of pounds, demonstrating the widespread concern for Jay's safe return.
Jay's employer has also joined the appeals, describing him as a "hard-working lad" who was "loved by everyone" at the building firm where he worked as an apprentice.
Anyone with information about Jay's whereabouts is urged to contact the Guardia Civil in Tenerife or the British Embassy in Madrid.
