Brit teen Jay Slater cause of death revealed

A British teenager, Jay Slater, who went missing in Tenerife earlier this year, died after suffering a serious head injury, a court inquest has confirmed.

Jay, 19, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, was last seen after attending the NRG music festival in June. His body was found nearly a month later in a steep, rocky area near the village of Masca. The search for Jay gained wide media attention across the UK and Spain.

Cause of Death: Fall from Height

At Preston Crown Court, Home Office pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd told the inquest that Jay’s body had already started decomposing due to being exposed to the heat for around 28 days.

A CT scan confirmed that Jay had a severe skull fracture, which was likely caused by a heavy fall from a height. Dr Shepherd said that this head injury was the main reason for Jay’s death. He explained that even if Jay had reached a hospital, it was very unlikely he would have survived.

“The injury is so severe that death was either instant or extremely quick,” Dr Shepherd said.

Spanish investigators had earlier reached the same conclusion: a traumatic brain injury from a fall.

Drugs Found in Jay Slater’s System

The inquest also heard that Jay had multiple drugs in his system at the time of his death. Toxicologist Dr Stephanie Martin explained that testing after death is difficult, especially after several weeks.

Her report showed that Jay had taken ecstasy, and also had signs of cocaine use mixed with alcohol. She said the drugs were likely taken within a day of his death.

Spanish authorities had also tested his body and found ketamine and its by-products. Dr Martin said the difference in test results could be due to the timing of the two post-mortem exams—one in Spain and one in the UK.

“It’s possible ketamine had been used over a longer period, while ecstasy was likely taken shortly before death,” she added.

What Happens Next?

The inquest into Jay Slater’s death is still ongoing. More evidence may be presented in the coming days. Jay’s disappearance and tragic end have raised serious concerns about party tourism, drug safety, and hiking risks in remote areas like Masca.