The inquest into the death of Jay Slater, the 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, who disappeared in Tenerife in June 2024, has been adjourned after his mother, Debbie Duncan, pleaded for key witnesses to be found. The coroner paused proceedings on Wednesday following her tearful request, as she stated she still had unanswered questions about her son's death.
Jay had travelled to Tenerife for the NRG music festival and vanished afterwards, sparking a 29-day search. He was eventually found in a remote national park, around a three-hour walk from the town of Masca. Spanish authorities concluded he died from multiple injuries consistent with a fall in a rocky area. The inquest heard that Jay had a cocktail of drugs in his system at the time of death, and a video emerged of him bragging about stealing a £12,000 watch hours before his disappearance.
Five witnesses identified by police have not come forward to give evidence. Among them are Lucy Law, Jay's friend who was on holiday with him; Brad Hargreaves, another friend; Brandon, a third friend; and two men who rented the Airbnb Jay visited before his death, Ayub Qassim and a man named Steven. Lucy's stepfather said she was unaware of the inquest, while Brad is believed to be on holiday. Brandon has previously cooperated with police but did not attend the inquest.
Ayub Qassim and Steven drove Jay to the Airbnb after the festival. Mark Williams-Thomas, who assisted the Slater family, described Qassim as the most important witness, claiming to have crucial evidence that has not been made public. Coroners stated they have been unable to locate either man despite extensive efforts.
