British teenager Jay Slater died by accident after falling from a height in Tenerife, coroner concludes

A teenager who went missing in Tenerife last summer died by accident after falling from a height, a coroner has concluded.

Jay Slater was reported missing on the Canary Island in June 2024 after failing to return to his accommodation following a night out in Playa de las Americas on June 16.

It was discovered the teenager had went with two men to an Airbnb in Masca, a village in the mountains miles from his holiday apartment in Los Cristianos.

The 19-year-old had told his friends he was “in the middle of the mountains” and in need of a drink, as he attempted a 14-hour walk home the morning after taking drugs and alcohol on a night out.

A huge search operation was launched following the 19-year-old’s disappearance, with helicopters, drones and search dogs were deployed to find him.

As temperatures grew he left the road and ended up in the ravine, having suffered severe head injuries from a fall.

The apprentice bricklayer’s body was discovered almost a month later.

An inquest into Mr Slater’s death was held at Preston Coroner’s Court.

Dr James Adeley, senior coroner for Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen, said: “Jay fell at a particularly dangerous area in difficult terrain.

“He fell approximately 20 to 25 metres, suffering skull fractures and brain trauma from which he would have died instantaneously. Jay Dean Slater died an accidental death.

“This is a tragic death of a young man.”

Dr Adeley said the evidence showed there was no one else involved in the death and no evidence to suggest Mr Slater had been threatened, assaulted, was under duress or in fear for his safety.

The coroner told Mr Slater’s family sat in court that he hoped the “examination of facts rather than conjecture” during the hearing had been some consolation to them.

Mr Slater’s tearful mother, Debbie Duncan, had earlier given a tribute to her son at the hearing on Friday, saying: “He was very loved and our hearts are broken.

“Our lives will never be the same without Jay in it.”