**Jay Slater Inquest Halted as Key Witnesses Prove Elusive**
Legal proceedings into the death of teenager Jay Slater have been put on hold after a key witness was found to be on holiday, while another was reportedly unaware the inquest was even taking place. The sudden adjournment of the inquest, held in Preston, came after Jay’s mother issued a passionate plea for crucial witnesses to be brought before the court.
Nineteen-year-old Jay Slater went missing in June of the previous year while holidaying in Tenerife with friends Brad Geoghegan and Lucy Law, where they had attended the NRG music festival. While his companions returned to their accommodation together, Jay chose to stay out on his own—a decision that would later prove fateful.
The inquest, convened at Preston Coroner’s Court, aimed to uncover the circumstances surrounding Jay’s tragic disappearance and subsequent death. However, on the very first day, proceedings were interrupted due to the absence of key witnesses, including friends Lucy Law and Brad Geoghegan. It was revealed in court that Brad had previously notified officials about a pre-booked holiday, while Lucy was believed to be in Tenerife. The sudden realisation that witnesses could not appear sparked frustration for Jay’s family, particularly his mother.
In a series of communications shortly after separating from his friends, Jay reportedly sent alarming messages to those close to him. Some of the texts and Snapchat posts included a photograph showing two knives hidden in his shorts, along with the caption: “in case it kicks off”. One message referenced taking a watch from two individuals and a supposed attempt to sell it for £10,000, suggesting a troubled final night.
Efforts by authorities to locate other potential witnesses, namely Ayub Qassim and Steven Roccas, were said to have proved fruitless. However, the family of Lucy Law, one of Jay’s closest friends, claimed on Wednesday that they had no prior knowledge of the hearing, stating that police only visited their Burnley home that same day. Lucy’s stepfather, Andy Davis, spoke candidly about the confusion, saying, “We had no idea Jay’s inquest was even being held today,” and added that the family was only made aware after being approached by local officers.
This episode highlights ongoing communication difficulties between key stakeholders in the case. Notably, Mr Davis recounted that police mentioned documentation about the hearing had been sent to Lucy, yet he maintained that the first they heard of it was the police visit. “They asked if Lucy was home and I said she was abroad… They asked me if I was aware that she should have been in court, and I said I wasn’t,” Davis explained.
Meanwhile, according to reports, close associates of the Slater family expressed their own exasperation at the supposed difficulty in tracking down the absent witnesses. In comments shared with the Daily Mail, one family insider noted that Lucy was in Tenerife and another witness was on holiday in Greece. “If we can find this out so quickly, why can’t the police?” they questioned, raising concerns over the handling of witness logistics.
During the hearing, the court heard evidence that Jay Slater had suffered a catastrophic brain injury, which experts declared would have been unsurvivable even with advanced medical care. He was discovered deceased in a remote mountainous ravine, several hours’ trek from the last known location in the village of Masca.
Coroner Dr James Adeley indicated that the inquest is likely to resume “in a month or two”, allowing time for further efforts to reach those who have yet to give evidence. The delay underscores both the emotional and procedural challenges faced by grieving families seeking answers, as well as the importance of effective witness coordination in high-profile inquests.
This case continues to grip the public, both for the tragic loss at its centre and for the complex questions surrounding the events leading up to Jay’s death. As the investigation progresses, the spotlight remains on the authorities to ensure all key figures are present to help establish the full facts.