The inquest into the death of 19-year-old Jay Slater, who went missing in Tenerife last summer, has concluded that he died from a traumatic brain injury following a fall. Pathologist Dr Mark Shepherd stated the death was 'probably instantaneous' and that Jay would have been unaware after the fall. His body was found 29 days after he disappeared in a rocky ravine near Masca.
Toxicology tests revealed Jay had consumed cocaine, MDMA, and alcohol prior to his death, with Spanish authorities also finding evidence of ketamine use. Coroner Dr James Adeley ruled his death an accident, attributing it to a fall from height. The post-mortem noted extensive mummification due to exposure to the sun.
During the inquest, friends testified about Jay's final hours. Lucy Law, a close friend, received a panicked call from Jay on the morning of his disappearance, in which he said he was in the 'middle of nowhere' with only 2% phone battery. He asked if cactuses were poisonous and expressed fear, but said he 'couldn't go back' to where he'd been.
Mountain rescue experts stated that Jay's lack of experience, fitness, and equipment contributed to the tragedy, along with loose rocks and terrain. They could not explain why he descended into the ravine. Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, had previously pleaded for witnesses to come forward after some friends failed to attend earlier hearings.
