The devastated mother of missing British teenager Jay Slater has shared the heartbreaking final message he sent via Snapchat before disappearing in Tenerife, revealing the ordinary nature of his last communication that has since taken on profound significance.
Jay Slater, a 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, vanished on Monday morning after attending a music festival on the Spanish island. His mother, Debbie Duncan, described how her son's final Snapchat message showed him smiling with friends, providing no indication of the tragedy that would unfold.
The Last Communication
"His last Snapchat was just a picture of him laughing with his friends - it was so normal," Ms. Duncan told the Independent. "He looked happy and was having a good time. There was nothing to suggest anything was wrong."
The teenager had been attending the NRG music festival in Playa de las Américas before his disappearance. He was last seen in the remote Rural de Teno park in the north-west of the island, an area described as mountainous and difficult to access.
Desperate Search Operation
Spanish authorities have mounted an extensive search operation involving helicopters, sniffer dogs, and mountain rescue teams. The challenging terrain and high temperatures have complicated efforts to locate the missing teenager.
Ms. Duncan has flown to Tenerife to assist with the search, expressing both hope and frustration at the pace of the investigation. "The Spanish police are doing their best but it's agonising waiting for news," she said.
Family's Emotional Appeal
The family has made emotional appeals for information, describing Jay as a "popular lad" who was "loved by everyone." Friends and community members in Oswaldtwistle have rallied around the family, offering support and sharing information on social media.
"We just want him home safe," Ms. Duncan pleaded. "If anyone knows anything, no matter how small, please come forward."
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities young tourists can face when travelling abroad, particularly when attending large-scale events in unfamiliar environments.
