The search for 19-year-old Jay Slater, missing for 13 days in Tenerife, has seen significant developments as investigators provide updates on the man last seen with him. The two men, initially considered key witnesses, have been identified and questioned by authorities.
Key Witnesses Questioned
Investigators confirmed the two British men who invited Jay back to their Airbnb hours before he vanished have been located and interviewed. Despite initial thoughts, Guardia Civil agent Cipriano Martin stated that these men “don’t have any relevance whatsoever for the case.”
Scuffle and New Leads
A new lead has emerged involving a scuffle with a burly Eastern European man over a stolen Rolex. This incident, which occurred outside Papagayo Beach Club on the night of Jay’s disappearance, could be a crucial piece of the puzzle. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage from the club.
Volunteer Efforts and Search Expansion
The search has been intensified with a massive new hunt that includes volunteers for the first time. Hundreds of people, including army reservists and their search dogs, are combing the rugged mountain terrain where Jay was last seen. The search, starting from the Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda restaurant, focuses on retracing Jay’s last-known steps and thoroughly searching the steep rocky areas, ravines, trails, and paths.
Cactus Clue Narrowing Search
A significant clue involves Jay’s phone call to his friend Lucy Mae Law, where he mentioned cutting his leg on a cactus. This detail is guiding search teams as they explore areas off the main road where cacti are prevalent.
Family and Community Efforts
Jay’s family and friends have been actively participating in the search. His mother, Debbie Duncan, and father, Warren, have been on the ground, urging for more information and assistance. The community’s support has been overwhelming, with a GoFundMe page raising over £40,000 to aid the search efforts.
Debbie Duncan expressed her gratitude on the GoFundMe page: “Thank you for your support, kind messages, and good wishes. It’s difficult to wrap our heads around what is happening right now, but we are not losing hope that we will find Jay and return home together.”
Involvement of Internet Sleuths
The disappearance has also attracted the attention of internet sleuths, with TikTok explorer Paul Arnott joining the search. Arnott, who has been in Tenerife for eight days, has been sharing updates and rallying more volunteers through social media.
Ongoing Investigations
Spanish police continue to investigate all leads, including the scuffle over the stolen Rolex and the sighting of Jay in Puerto de Santiago. Authorities are not ruling out any possibilities and are dedicated to finding Jay.
Conclusion
As the search for Jay Slater continues, the involvement of volunteers, the emergence of new leads, and the support from his family and the community provide hope for a resolution. The collaborative efforts of professional rescuers and volunteers underscore the determination to find Jay and bring him home safely.
