Around 500 people attended the funeral of British teenager Jay Slater, who died while on holiday in Tenerife.
Friends and family of the 19-year-old from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, were pictured following a horse-driven hearse as it arrived at Accrington Crematorium chapel.
At the family’s request, the majority wore the color blue as a sign of respect for the teenager, including his co-workers at the PH Build Group, where he was a bricklayer’s apprentice, who wore t-shirts with the words “forever 19” on the front.
Meanwhile, a crowd of people watched the ceremony outside, under umbrellas, while a large screen was set up especially for the ceremony.
The Disappearance of Mr. Slater on June 17, it triggered a massive search that lasted 29 days and widespread publicity, until his body was found in the Juan Lopez ravine.
He was in Tenerife to attend the NRG music festival with two friends, and his last known location was the Teno Rural Park in the north of the Canary Islands, which was about an 11-hour walk from his accommodation.
Mourners watched Jay Slater’s funeral outside the chapel
The teenager was remembered in honor by his family as a “dear brother” and “loyal friend to many” who loved music and dance.
The back of a funeral service order also said: “If there was anyone dancing on the way to the other side, it was him.”
‘Always had a smile on his face’
During the ceremony, Slater’s mother Debbie Duncan, father Warren Slater and older brother Zak heard remembrances of his youth football exploits at Huncoat United – where he played from age six to 17 – and his days at School West End Primary and Rhyddings High School were shared.
The order of service for Mr. Slater’s funeral
Huncoat United manager Stuart Holt described Slater as a “natural footballer” who “always played with a smile on his face and was simply happy with the ball at his feet”.
While undertaker Sarah Barton told the congregation that Mr Slater had made “solid and loyal” friendships during his time at school.
“There are simply too many friends to mention,” she said. “You only have to look inside and outside to see the depth of the number of friends Jay had, whether they were on Snapchat, Insta or anywhere else.”
Jay Slater’s body was found 29 days after he disappeared. Photo: LBT Global/Slater Family
Barton added: “We know that Jay touched so many people’s lives and, on behalf of the family, I would like to thank all those who sent them heartfelt messages and cards to help them get through this incredibly difficult and sad time. .
“I would also like to thank all those who helped bring Jay safely back to us, family, friends, the kind offers from people in Tenerife, the police here at home and all of you for coming here today to show your love and kindness. .”
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In lieu of flowers at the ceremony, Slater’s family asked if well-wishers could donate to LBT Global, an overseas crisis support charity, which supported them after he went missing on the Spanish island.
A post-mortem examination found Mr Slater died from traumatic head injuries consistent with a fall from a height.
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The Spanish Civil Guard said the teenager may have fallen into the steep and inaccessible part of the ravine where he was discovered.
The search has also spawned a number of conspiracy theories online, including several Facebook groups dedicated to the case.
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