Jay Slater’s mum said the “family’s hearts are broken” after the body found in Tenerife on Monday was confirmed to be her son.
A body was found in the Masca area of Tenerife on Monday (July 15). A post-mortem on the remains has now been carried out, confirming the body was that of Jay.
Missing persons' charity LBT Global said Jay’s mum, Debbie Duncan, was “lost for words” when she heard the news.
LBT Global’s chief executive, Matthew Searle, was talking to Jay’s Mum, Debbie, at the time this news broke and she and Jay’s family were devastated at the news.
She said: “I just can’t believe it. We’re here with the Embassy staff waiting for an update and now it’s come – the worst news.
“I just can’t believe this could happen to my beautiful boy. Our hearts are broken.”
Matthew is now calling on the public to give the family privacy. He hopes it is the end of “hurtful social media comments”.
He said: “The announcement does seem to confirm that Jay died of injuries consistent with an accidental fall from a considerable height.
“There will of course be many more hurdles for the family to face in the coming days and we will work with them to make this horrific time as easy as possible.
“We are working with the family now to sort out the next steps of taking Jay home, recovery of his belongings and laying him to rest back.
“We will not be releasing details of travel timings or funeral arrangements at this time and ask again for privacy for the family. I ask now that this is the end of all the hurtful comments on social media and elsewhere."
Apprentice bricklayer Jay was on holiday with his friends when he went missing. He was last seen on June 17.
Thousands of pounds were raised to support the search for the teenager, with his family travelling to Tenerife to support efforts to try and find him.
The former West End Primary School pupil went missing after travelling to a property following a night out and attempting to walk home early the next morning.
Community answers
Book of condolence - Jay Slater
"Leave your messages of condolence for 19-year-old Jay Slater, from Oswaldtwistle, who died while on holiday in Tenerife"
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Leave your message of condolence hereRip young man never knew you but you touched mine and girlfriend heart ♥️
Leave your message of condolence hereSo so sorry for your loss Debbie, Warren and Zack. Prayers and thoughts with you all x.
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