The final photograph taken of teenager Jay Slater captures him in a moment of pure joy, just hours before his untimely passing. Jay’s tragic death at the age of 19 will be the subject of investigation in Channel 4’s documentary “The Disappearance of Jay Slater,” featuring interviews with his loved ones and individuals who were with him in Tenerife prior to his demise.
Following a night at the NRG music festival, Jay left a nightclub with two unfamiliar companions, Ayub Qassim and Steven Roccas, to head to an Airbnb in Masca. In the last known image of Jay alive, he was seen seated in the back of a vehicle on his way to the Airbnb property, located an hour away from where he had been celebrating.
The photo, believed to be one of the final images of Jay, was presented at Preston Coroner’s Court during his inquest. In the picture, Jay is seen smiling widely in the backseat, while Steven Roccas slept in the front passenger seat.
Despite efforts to contact him, Steven Roccas could not be reached to provide testimony at the inquest. However, the driver, Ayub Qassim, a convicted drug trafficker, participated in the proceedings via video call.
Hours later, Jay, who had woken up at the Airbnb property, attempted to make his way home but tragically fell into a gorge. He was found 29 days after his disappearance by Spanish mountain rescue team members in the Juan Lopez ravine on July 15, 2024, eight meters above the dried riverbed, with his belongings discovered nearby.
An examination revealed that Jay had experienced significant mummification due to prolonged exposure to the sun. The coroner confirmed his identity through fingerprints and ruled his death accidental, attributing it to head trauma. Jay’s mother, Debbie Duncan, emotionally expressed how his passing had deeply affected their family and friends, describing him as a vibrant young man who was dearly loved and cherished.