Jay Slater, a 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, tragically died after an accidental fall down a ravine in Tenerife, a coroner concluded following a detailed inquest that ended on July 25, 2025. The heartbreaking case, which captured attention across Europe and social media, unfolded after the teenager went missing during a holiday in June 2024, sparking a massive search effort that lasted nearly a month.
Slater had been enjoying a music festival on the Spanish island, attending the NRG event with friends at the Papagayo nightclub in Playa de las Américas on June 16. The night involved the consumption of drugs and alcohol; toxicology reports confirmed the presence of ecstasy, cocaine, ketamine, and alcohol in his system. The following morning, June 17, Slater vanished after leaving the festival with two men and heading to an Airbnb in Masca, a remote mountain village miles from his holiday accommodation in Los Cristianos.
According to accounts heard at Preston Coroner's Court, Slater attempted a daunting 14-hour walk back to his hotel, despite being under the influence and facing challenging terrain. His phone battery was low, and he told friends via phone calls that he was "in the middle of the mountains" and desperately needed a drink. One friend, Lucy Law, recounted a call around 8:30 a.m. when she urged him to return, warning, "Go back to wherever the f*** you just came from before it gets boiling." Slater replied that there was "literally nothing" around — just mountains — and even asked if cacti were poisonous, highlighting his desperate situation.
Another friend, Bradley Geoghegan, described receiving a video call from Slater that morning, noting his friend was still "under the influence" and walking along a road. Geoghegan advised him to use maps and get a taxi, explaining the long distance involved, but Slater said he would call back. Geoghegan did not sense any fear or duress, suggesting Slater had likely sobered up and decided to return.
The search for Slater was extensive and intensive. Spanish mountain rescue teams, aided by helicopters, dogs, drones, and volunteers, combed the treacherous Juan Lopez Ravine for 29 days. This area is known for its sheer cliffs, dense undergrowth, and difficult access, requiring rescuers to use machetes to navigate. On July 15, nearly a month after Slater's disappearance, his body was discovered in this remote ravine, having suffered severe head injuries consistent with a fall.
Coroner Dr. James Adeley, who presided over the inquest, delivered a somber verdict: "Jay Dean Slater died an accidental death." He detailed that Slater fell approximately 20 to 25 meters (66 to 82 feet) in a particularly dangerous area of difficult terrain, resulting in skull fractures and brain trauma that would have caused instantaneous death. The injuries were so severe that even immediate medical intervention would not have saved him, and the coroner expressed hope that this fact might bring some solace to the grieving family.
Dr. Adeley emphasized that there was no evidence of third-party involvement, assault, or any threat to Slater's safety. The case was thoroughly investigated, including claims about individuals Slater was last seen with, but no foul play was found. The coroner noted, "There was no suggestion he had been threatened, assaulted, was under duress, or in fear for his safety." This conclusion was a crucial part of the inquest, which sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding the young man's untimely death.
Throughout the hearing, Slater's mother, Debbie Duncan, was visibly emotional. She paid a heartfelt tribute to her son, describing him as a "joy to be around" with a "wonderful life" and a large circle of devastated friends. "He loved his family very much and was not afraid to show affection," she said. "He was very loved and our hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the same without Jay in it." Duncan also spoke of his bright future, mentioning that Slater was learning to drive and had many plans ahead, including looking forward to the Tenerife trip.
Friends who accompanied Slater on the holiday and last spoke with him painted a picture of a young man caught in a moment of poor judgment but not fear. Ayub Qassim, one of the men Slater stayed with at the Airbnb, described him as "on a buzz, chilled, happy, mingling". Qassim recalled Slater leaving the Airbnb early in the morning to catch a bus, despite being told buses were infrequent. "At that point, I presumed he'd sit at that bus stop and that's it," Qassim said.
The inquest also heard from Marieke Krans of the Dutch rescue charity Signi Zoekhonden, who highlighted the extreme difficulty of the terrain where Slater fell. She described the area as "really steep, really dangerous" and easy to lose footing, underscoring the perilous nature of the ravine. Around 20 meters above Slater's body, rescuers found his Armani bag containing his phone and nitrous oxide canisters, but it remains unclear why he left the road and ventured into such hazardous ground. Spanish authorities speculated that Slater may have believed he could reach a beach and find help, as the sea is visible from the ravine's head.
The tragic story of Jay Slater serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that can arise from a combination of intoxication, unfamiliar and difficult terrain, and the challenges of navigating remote wilderness areas. His death has left a profound impact on family, friends, and the local community, who remember him as a bright, affectionate young man whose life was cut far too short.
As the inquest closed, Dr. Adeley expressed hope that the careful examination of facts rather than speculation would bring some comfort to those mourning Slater’s loss. The case stands as a solemn testament to the unpredictability of life and the importance of safety and caution, especially when venturing into unknown environments under risky conditions.
