19-year-old Jay Slater, a British apprentice bricklayer, has mysteriously vanished in Tenerife after reportedly confessing to stealing a £12,000 Rolex watch. Former detective Mark Williams-Thomas, known for investigating high-profile cases, revealed that Jay admitted to the theft in a Snapchat message to his friends just hours before he disappeared.
Jay traveled to Tenerife for a music festival and met two older British men. The trio was driving in a rented Seat Leon to an Airbnb near the village of Masca when Jay sent the Snapchat message claiming he had stolen the watch.
According to Williams-Thomas, Jay’s friends believe he wouldn’t make up such a story, even though the theft hasn’t been independently verified.
On the night of his disappearance, Jay was last seen partying at Papagayo Beach Club. A fight reportedly broke out involving an Eastern European man who claimed his Rolex was stolen. This incident is thought to be linked to Jay’s sudden disappearance.
The Spanish police are investigating this lead, examining security footage from the club to understand what happened.
Search efforts to find Jay have been extensive and challenging. Search teams, helicopters, drones, and sniffer dogs have been deployed to comb the rugged terrain of the Masca ravine and surrounding areas.
Jay’s family and friends have also traveled to Tenerife to join the search. His father has made emotional pleas to the public, asking for help and understanding during this distressing time.
Jay was last seen around 8 am on June 17, trying to find his way back to his accommodation. Despite the massive search operation, he remains missing. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about Jay’s whereabouts to come forward, hoping that public assistance might provide crucial leads.
The UK Foreign Office has expressed support for Jay’s family and is working closely with local authorities to aid in the search. The situation grows more urgent with each passing day, as Jay’s family holds out hope for his safe return.
