The heartbroken family of Jay Slater, the 19-year-old British apprentice bricklayer who vanished in Tenerife, have broken their silence to praise the "absolute angels" supporting them through their living nightmare.
As the massive search operation enters another gruelling day in the rugged Teno Rural Park, Jay's loved ones have spoken of the incredible network of support keeping them strong despite the agonising wait for answers.
Family's Emotional Tribute to Support Network
In an emotional statement, the Slater family revealed the depth of gratitude they feel towards those standing by them during this harrowing time. "We are surrounded by absolute angels at this incredibly difficult period," the family expressed, though they haven't identified the specific individuals or organisations providing this crucial support.
The touching acknowledgement comes as search teams continue to comb the treacherous mountainous terrain where Jay was last known to be. The challenging conditions and remote location have complicated efforts to locate the teenager from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire.
Intensive Search Enters Critical Phase
Spanish authorities have deployed significant resources to the search operation, with mountain rescue specialists, helicopters, and sniffer dogs all involved in the desperate race against time. The focus remains on the area around the village of Masca, where Jay was last seen over a week ago.
Local reports indicate the search has been particularly challenging due to the "dangerous and inaccessible" nature of the landscape, with steep drops and dense vegetation hampering progress.
Community Rallies Behind Desperate Family
Back home in Lancashire, the community has mobilised to support Jay's family, with friends and neighbours reportedly helping coordinate efforts from the UK. A GoFundMe campaign established to assist with search costs has seen an overwhelming response, reflecting the widespread concern for the missing teenager.
Jay's mother, Debbie Duncan, previously travelled to Tenerife to join the search personally, telling reporters she's "just praying for some good news" about her son, whom she describes as a "caring, loving lad" with his whole life ahead of him.
As the operation continues, the family's message of gratitude serves as a poignant reminder of the human connections that sustain people through unimaginable crises, even as they face each passing hour with diminishing hope.
