Jay Slater's family have finally got the answers they so desperately wanted as a coroner has delivered his final findings at the tragic teen's inquest.
And Jay's heartbroken mum Debbie Duncan made sure that her son's presence was felt throughout the proceedings, with a subtle, sweet tribute.
The 19-year-old vanished in Tenerife in June last year, while holidaying with friends. His disappearance sparked a widespread search across the Spanish island, with many holding out hope that the apprentice bricklayer would be found alive and well.
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Sadly, on July 15, 2024, Jay's body was discovered in a ravine in Tenerife's rugged Parque Rural de Teno nature reserve.
Today, Coroner Dr James Adeleyconcluded Jay's death was accidental, telling the court: "Jay Dean Slater died on 17th June 2024 in the Juan Lopez ravine in a remote area of Tenerife.
Jay Slater 'tried to find help' in final moments as new details emerge on how he died
"Whilst attempting to descend the ravine, Jay fell in a difficult area. Jay Slater fell approximately 20 to 25 metres, resulting in skull fracture and brain trauma from which he would have died instantly. There was no third party involved. Jay Dean Slater died an accidental death."
Today marks the end of a painful chapter for Jay's family, who have finally been afforded closure. But it's clear Jay's memory is kept very much alive by devoted mum Debbie, who, touchingly, wore a blue badge with the initial 'J' in the middle - a poignant nod to her late son.
The case of Jay, who lived in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, has attracted widespread attention. Although the family has received plenty of well-wishes from those sympathetic to their plight, they have also unfortunately been subjected to merciless trolling, both before and after the discovery of Jay's body.
Speaking in court today, Debbie pleaded with the public to "please remember that Jay was a real person."
Painting a picture of her young son, whom she remembered as a "bundle of fun," Debbie remarked that he'd had a “wonderful life” and had been a “joy to be around.”
In her pen portrait, Debbie recalled: “He loved his family very much and was not afraid to show affection.”
Adding that Jay had a “large circle of friends who have been left devastated” by his death, Debbie continued: “He was very loved and our hearts are broken. Our lives will never be the same without Jay in it."
The heartbroken mother also described Jay as “the life and soul”, sharing: "Our lives will never be the same. Please remember that Jay was a real person. He may just have been a story… but he did touch the hearts of the nation.
"He was learning to drive and had so many plans and a bright future ahead of him. He was counting down the days when he flew to Tenerife. Never in a million years did we predict what was to unfold. Jay was a bundle of fun with a constant smile.”
Pathologist Dr Mark Shepherd stated Jay’s death was “probably instantaneous”, and the cause of death was given as a severe, traumatic brain injury.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com
