The friends and family of 19-year-old will say goodbye to the teenager for the final time today. A service is to be held in memory of the young lad at Accrington Cemetery Chapel Saturday morning. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue, out of respect for the former bricklayer, at an event dubbed 'a celebration of his Jay's life' by organisers.
The teen, who on the island of Tenerife in June amidst a swirl of , was on the July 15. A post-mortem ruled Jay had suffered head-injuries after a serious fall. Shockingly, heartless scammers have targeted the British public, claiming to be the charity Jay's funeral will raise money for.
Jay's parents will be among those in attendance, and it's believed they will play a central role in the service. Dad Warren Slater, 58, and mum , 55, have previously expressed their sadness at losing their beloved son. Warren, who flew out to Tenerife to look for his missing son back in June, and expressed his frustrations with the authorities during the search for Jay, has blasted online critics targeting his family.
Speaking to reporters, Warren said: "All those trollers having a go at us, they don't know how we feel, why don't they come up here and have a look and see for themselves how dangerous it is?" The heartbroken father also spoke about the terrible toll the tragic incident had on the family: "We just still can't believe it; it's been so tough on us, and I want people to think about us as parents and what we are going through." Jay's mum has also expressed her sadness at the loss of their boy. In a written note left at a memorial, Debbie said the following heart-wrenching words: ‘To my beautiful boy.
I’m so sorry we never found you. I miss you so much. You will be forever young and forever missed.
Love you so much, Mum.’ Like his dad, Jay's older brother Zak joined the search on the Canary Island of Tenerife. The 24-year-old left a touching note at his sibling's memorial, that read the following: "Love you little bro, never in a million years did I think I’d be doing this.
"I’ll look after mum and dad. Hope you’re partying up there with granddad. Hope to see you again some day.
Rest easy bro, I love you, Zak XX." Zak's partner Jessica has also expressed her grief following the announcement of Jay's death. Many friends of Jay, who has been described as having been popular and a 'wind up merchant', will also be in attendance at the funeral.
Jay's good pal Brad Hargreaves, who is believed to have been one of the last people to speak to his mate before his death, has expressed his sadness at the loss, as well as sharing fond memories. Speaking on ITV show This Morning, Brad reflected on his chum Jay's 'zest for life'. Another of Jay's friends Lucy Mae Law, who was also with him in Tenerife, is also believed to be attending.
Lucy was at the Tenerife rave Jay attended before his disappearance. Lucy has been the target of vicious trolling, after the teen used her social media to raise awareness for her missing friend. It's unknown whether star Vicky Entwistle will be in attendance for the funeral.
Entwistle, 55, who played Janice Battersby in the popular soap, is a distant relative of the Slaters. In a post drawing attention to the teen's disappearance, who had roles in The Bill and Holby City, the actress revealed that her godmother was Slater's grandson. “My God Mother’s Grandson has gone missing.
His Mother has flown out 7pm. To join the police search. Hope to God they find him.
Please (pray) for him,” she tweeted. A statement has also been released on behalf of the whole family which reads: "A loving son of Debbie and Warren, a cherished brother of Zak and brother-in-law of Jessica, a treasured grandson of Dawn, June and the late Dougie, a much-loved nephew of Glen and Katie, a dear cousin of Maddie and Tillie and a loyal friend to many. Jay will be very sadly missed by all those who knew him.
“After Jay left Rhyddings High School he went on to become an apprentice bricklayer with the PH Build group, a job he greatly enjoyed. “At the young age of five Jay started playing football for Huncoat United FC until the age of 17 and also did a few seasons with the Sunday team at St Joesph’s too. “He also loved spending time chilling out with his friends.
“Jay’s love of music and dance started at a very young age. He loved attending music festivals and events across the country and also loved to socialise and meet new people.”.
