A close friend of Jay Slater has paid homage to him, describing him as “the happiest and most smiley person in the room” following the discovery of a body during the search for him in Tenerife.
Lucy Law, who was the last person to speak with Jay on a phone call on June 17, shared her heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
She expressed her sorrow, saying, “Honestly lost for words. Always the happiest and most smiley person in the room, you were one of a kind, Jay, and you’ll be missed more than you know.”
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Jay, 19, went missing, and his family is now awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination after a body was found near the last known location of his mobile phone.
Spanish authorities have stated that “all evidence” indicates the body is likely Jay’s.
The police released footage showing rescuers navigating rugged terrain and being lifted out by helicopter after the body was discovered.
They believe Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, might have fallen in the steep, hard-to-reach area where he was found.
Lucy Law continued her tribute, writing, “I’m sure you’ll have your dancing shoes polished and ready, waiting for us all. We all love you buddy. Fly high.” Jay had attended the NRG music festival with two friends before he vanished.
His last known location was Rural de Teno Park in northern Tenerife, roughly an 11-hour walk from his accommodation. After a night out, he traveled to an Airbnb in Masca, but the men renting the property were later deemed irrelevant to the case.
The search for Jay involved his family, friends, local police, specialist mountain rescue teams, and volunteers from several countries, including Dutch mountain rescuers. LBT Global, which assists families of missing Britons abroad, stated that while formal identification was pending, the body was found with Jay’s belongings and clothes. They added, “A post-mortem examination and forensic inquiries will follow.”
The search was officially called off by Spanish police at the end of June. However, the Civil Guard confirmed on Monday that they had continued their efforts daily, preserving the area to avoid attracting onlookers. This continued diligence led to the discovery of the body.
Residents of Oswaldtwistle have rallied in support of Jay’s family. Reverend Matt Smith from West End Methodist Church offered thoughts and prayers, saying, “We’re here and supporting them for when they need us.”
Blue ribbons adorn trees and lamp posts in the town and around the church to show solidarity with Jay’s family. The church will open from 7 PM to 8 PM BST to allow the community to gather, share feelings, and offer prayers.
A local resident shared, “I think it’s hit the community hard around here because obviously he’s a local lad and he’s well known. I feel sorry for the family going through this.”
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