Jay Slater died in tragic accident after fall from height, coroner rules

Jay Slater died by accident after falling from a height, the coroner presiding over the tragic teen's inquest has found.

Jay, 19, was found dead in a Tenerife ravine last year, triggering a massive, weeks-long island-wide search that saw rescuers comb dozens of miles after he disappeared in summer 2024.

An inquest exploring the circumstances of his death taking place this year has heard heartbreaking testimony from members of his family and acquiantances who helped in search and recovery efforts, with the proceedings at Preston Coroner's Court culminating today in a ruling from the presiding coroner.

Dr James Adeley ruled that Jay "died an accidental death" after he fell from a height and into the Juan López ravine in Buenavista del Norte.

READ MORE: Jay Slater UPDATES: Inquest hears teen's body found 'mummified' by Tenerife sun

The coroner found he had fallen around 20 to 25 metres to his death while attempting to descend the ravine, resulting in skull trauma from which he would have "died instantly".

He 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.” The doctor added: "There was no third party involved."

The inquest had previously heard that Jay was formally identified using finger and palm prints as his remains were "mummified" when they were discovered.

The post mortem found his body had undergone “extensive mummification” due to him being out in the hot sun for several weeks.

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