Jay slater's cause of death confirmed as inquest hears of 'immediate effect'

JAY SLATER, 19, WAS FOUND DEAD IN THE JUAN LOPEZ RAVINE, IN NORTH-WEST TENERIFE, ON JULY 15 LAST YEAR AFTER A FOUR-WEEK SEARCH FOR THE LANCASHIRE BRICKLAYER STEPHEN TOPPING Senior reporter

11:57, 21 May 2025 Jay Slater sustained a severe brain injury due to a 'heavy fall from height' in the moments leading up to his death, an inquest has been told. The 19 year old

bricklayer from Lancashire was discovered deceased in the Juan Lopez ravine in north-west Tenerife on July 15 last year, following a four-week search. Jay had attended the NRG music festival

in Playa de las Americas, located in the south of the island, before heading north to a remote Airbnb in the Rural Parc de Teno during the early hours of June 17. His disappearance after

leaving the property on foot that morning sparked a major search operation that garnered international attention. An inquest into Jay's death is currently underway at Preston

Coroner's Court, with his family in attendance, reports the Manchester Evening News. During the hearing, Home Office pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd provided medical evidence suggesting

Jay had suffered a 'heavy fall from height', resulting in 'immediate' and 'devastating' effects. "The pattern of injuries is entirely consistent with a

heavy fall from height," Dr Shepherd stated. Article continues below KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS AND TOP STORIES FROM THE NORTH EAST WITH OUR FREE NEWSLETTER He

further added: "The injury is so severe that I have no doubt at all that he would have been rendered immediately unconscious... death was either instantaneous or extremely quick."

The pathologist determined the medical cause of death to be a head injury, citing a CT scan that revealed a 'severe fracture of the head'. Spanish authorities also concluded that

Jay's death was caused by a severe traumatic brain injury, according to Dr Shepherd. Jay's body was discovered in a decomposed state, having undergone 'extensive changes'

after 28 days in a hot environment, according to Dr Shepherd. Article continues below A toxicology report revealed the presence of ecstasy in Jay's system, along with a metabolite of

cocaine, indicating that both cocaine and alcohol had been consumed. Dr Stephanie Martin, a toxicologist, informed the inquest that it was impossible to determine exactly when the drugs were

taken, but it was 'likely within a day or so of his death'. Friends of Slater, who were with him when he went missing in Spain, could not be 'located' ahead of the

inquest. According to the coroner, both potential key witnesses have 'denied who they are' in the lead-up to today's proceedings