Debbie Duncan thanks Tenerife police for their efforts while continuing to seek answers about her son’s disappearance.

Debbie Duncan, the mother of missing teenager Jay Slater, has expressed her “pain and agony” after Spanish police concluded their land search for her son. In a heartfelt statement, she thanked the Guardia Civil for their relentless efforts in the mountains where Jay’s last phone call was traced and mentioned that investigations are ongoing to understand why Jay had travelled far from his Tenerife accommodation.

Jay, who travelled to Tenerife with a friend to attend a music festival on June 13, was reported missing on June 17 after failing to return to his apartment. Described as a normal, well-liked young man in his third year of an apprenticeship, Jay’s disappearance has devastated his family. Duncan emphasized their close-knit family and their desperation to find their “beautiful boy.”

Over the past 12 days, the Guardia Civil conducted an extensive land search using every available resource but found no new information on Jay’s whereabouts. Despite the conclusion of the land search, Spanish police continue to follow various lines of inquiry.

Duncan also addressed the hurtful rumours circulating on social media, describing the conspiracy theories and negative comments as vile and distressing. She expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from people worldwide, particularly from their hometown of Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, and asked for privacy during this difficult time.

The search effort in the village of Masca, near Jay’s last-known location, involved navigating steep, rocky terrain including ravines, trails, and paths. Although two men who rented an Airbnb in Masca were initially linked to the case, they have since been deemed irrelevant.

TV investigator Mark Williams-Thomas, who travelled to Tenerife last week claiming he could solve the mystery within three days, suggested the family use GoFundMe money to continue the search with expert assistance. He appealed for anyone with direct information about Jay’s whereabouts on the night of June 16 and 17 to come forward.

Analysis

Political Perspective: Jay Slater’s disappearance and the subsequent response highlight the cooperation between British and Spanish authorities in addressing international missing persons cases. The effective collaboration between the Guardia Civil and British overseas charity LBT Global demonstrates the importance of international political cooperation in crisis situations. This event also brings to light the need for better political frameworks to support families dealing with similar tragedies abroad.

Social Perspective: This incident underscores the power and pitfalls of social media in shaping public discourse. While platforms have facilitated global support for Jay’s family, they have also been a source of distress due to spreading conspiracy theories and negative speculation. This duality of social media reflects broader societal debates about its impact on public perception and the need for responsible digital communication.

Racial Perspective: Jay Slater’s case has not specifically brought racial issues to the forefront. However, the level of media coverage and police response can be compared to other cases where race may play a role in the urgency and resources allocated. This comparison can prompt discussions about equity in how missing persons cases are handled across different demographics.

Gender Perspective: Gender dynamics in Jay’s case may not be as pronounced, but the media coverage and public response can be examined through a gendered lens. The portrayal of missing persons and the emotional labour often undertaken by women, such as Jay’s mother, in these situations, can highlight gender roles and expectations in times of crisis.

Economic Perspective: The economic implications of Jay’s disappearance include the financial burden on his family to continue the search efforts. The use of GoFundMe to raise funds for the ongoing search emphasizes the economic strain such cases place on families and the reliance on public generosity. Additionally, this situation highlights the economic impact of tourism-related incidents on local economies, as safety concerns can influence tourism in regions like Tenerife.