A close family friend of Jay Slater has given a heartbreaking update on the search for the missing teenager as his family continues to search for him in Tenerife.
Rachel Hargreaves, whose son is Jay's close friend, has been at the forefront of the campaign to find the 19-year-old since he disappeared in Tenerife on June 17th after being last seen at an Airbnb with two other Brits.
Taking to Facebook to provide an update after a distressing silence, Rachel expressed her frustration with the “out of control” speculation and vowed to tackle the trolls spreading “hurtful” remarks.
“People keep saying why haven't we posted in this group,” she penned, highlighting the abuse the family endures and the wild theories circulating online. She clarified that the lack of updates was due to the ongoing police investigation, assuring that any significant news would be shared promptly.
Rachel continued, addressing the torment caused by malicious messages: “Some people are trying to send hurtful comments and disturbing things that [have nothing] to do with this so this is why it's the way it is, so sadly it will remain paused and if anyone likes anything important please send it to me.”
“Thank you and thanks to all of the people who are being supportive and kind. Four weeks since Jay missing and the pain is worse each day we pray he's found please keep Debbie and all the family in your thoughts at this devastating time.
“I should say if people are going to laugh and be cruel towards any comments they will be removed [and] comments will remain off due to lack of respect some people seem to have.”
The 19-year-old apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was reported missing on Monday, June 17, after a night out in the Canary Islands with his mates Brad and Lucy Law for a rave event. The group was last seen soaking up the nightlife on Sunday along the Veronicas strip in Playa de las Americas before Jay left with two individuals, including a man named Ayub Qassim.
Instead of returning with his friends, Jay left the rave with two men and returned to their Airbnb which was an 11-hour walk from his accommodation. In the morning, he departed the vacation dwelling aiming to hitch a bus ride, later trying to navigate his way on foot.
In a call to his friend Lucy at around 8am, he said his phone was almost dead and told her he was thirsty.
Massive searches spanned the week days, zeroing in on a region within Rural de Teno park where the signal from Jay's mobile phone was last located. Unfortunately, after a fortnight, the Civil Guard suspended their operation without yielding any leads.
However, his family – including his father Warren and brother Zak – have continued to look for the missing British tourist.