In a stunning twist to one of the UK’s most talked-about missing persons cases, newly surfaced videos show 19-year-old Jay Slater bragging about stealing a £12,000 Rolex just hours before he vanished in Tenerife. The apprentice bricklayer from Lancashire was attending a music festival before his mysterious disappearance in June 2024. The videos and messages he sent have cast fresh doubts over the nature of his death, prompting widespread speculation and renewed demands for a deeper investigation.
The Night of the Festival
On June 16, 2024, Jay Slater attended the popular NRG music festival at Papagayo Beach Club in Playa de las Américas. The event was packed with international tourists, and Jay was seen partying with friends and strangers alike. As the night progressed, he left the club with two unknown men he had met at the festival—one later identified as convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim.
Mysterious Men and the Party Aftermath
After leaving the club, Jay reportedly joined these two men for an afterparty at a remote Airbnb in the village of Masca—an isolated and mountainous area nearly 40 km from his hotel. The group’s sudden departure raised questions among friends, especially as Jay was unfamiliar with the terrain and had limited means of communication.
The Alleged Rolex Theft
What came to light next would set the internet ablaze. In newly released video clips and Snapchat messages, Jay Slater appears to brag about taking a £12,000 Rolex watch from someone during the night’s events. One short clip shows him in the backseat of a car saying, “Just took a 12k rolly off some c*** wi this Mali kid off to get 10 quid for it now haha off my undies.” A separate message reportedly mentioned an Audemars Piguet watch (AP), suggesting Jay might have exaggerated or mixed up brands but was referencing an expensive item either way.
What Was in the Videos?
The tone in the videos is casual, even gleeful, as Jay sends updates to friends describing the alleged theft. The term “off my undies” refers to using his underwear to hide the stolen item, while “Mali kid” references one of the two men he was traveling with—possibly of Malian descent or using slang for a streetwise individual. These clips have sparked serious concern over whether Jay’s actions may have played a role in what happened to him next.
The Journey to Masca: Slater’s Final Known Movements
After reaching the Airbnb, Jay recorded a final few clips. One video at 7:00 AM on June 17 shows him smoking outside. Another, taken minutes later, pans across the mountainous landscape. At 8:50 AM, he made a distressed phone call to friend Lucy Law, saying he was lost, dehydrated, and had just 1% phone battery left. He was never seen alive again.
A massive search operation was launched across the Rural de Teno park. For weeks, searchers combed cliffs, valleys, and ravines with helicopters, dogs, and drones. Tragically, on July 15—nearly a month after his disappearance—Jay’s body was discovered in a rugged gorge. The area had been previously searched, but the location and condition of the body complicated the recovery and analysis.
The Inquest Into Slater’s Death
An inquest in November 2024 confirmed Jay died from head injuries consistent with a fall. Toxicology reports indicated the presence of drugs in his system. However, the inquest left many unanswered questions. The men he was last seen with, including Qassim, refused to attend. Without their accounts, crucial gaps remain.
No Clear Conclusion
Though ruled accidental, the death is shrouded in mystery. The Rolex theft, the remote location, and Jay’s panicked call all point to a possible foul play scenario, but no hard evidence has emerged. Was he running from someone? Was he pushed? Or was it a tragic misadventure caused by disorientation and poor decisions?
The Role of the ‘Rolex Man’
A yet-unidentified Eastern European man reportedly claimed a luxury watch was stolen that night. Witnesses spoke of a fight and an intense altercation at the club involving this individual. If true, this man may hold vital clues about what happened—but he has not come forward publicly.
Family Demands for Justice
Jay Slater’s family continues to push for answers. His mother, Debbie, has called for an independent investigation and criticized the lack of cooperation from key witnesses. She insists her son would never voluntarily travel so far from his hotel and suspects there’s more to the story than what has been made public.
Public and Social Media Reaction
From TikTok theories to Reddit sleuths, the internet has been consumed by Jay Slater’s story. While some express sympathy and solidarity, others question his decisions and the circumstances of the theft. The case has highlighted the power—and danger—of online speculation.
What Happens Next?
While police in Spain have closed their active investigation, Jay’s family is pursuing further avenues, including possible legal action and media support to keep the story alive. Whether this leads to new revelations or remains a haunting mystery, Jay Slater’s story is far from over.
Conclusion
The discovery of videos showing Jay Slater allegedly stealing a £12K Rolex just before his death adds a chilling twist to an already mysterious case. With critical witnesses silent and no clear motive or timeline, the young Brit’s tragic end remains shrouded in speculation. For now, the truth lies somewhere in the ravine where Jay took his final steps—and in the silence of those who know more than they’ve told.
FAQs
- What did Jay Slater say in the new videos?
He boasted about stealing a £12,000 Rolex watch and discussed selling it. - Was the Rolex theft verified by authorities?
No official confirmation exists, but a man did report a stolen watch that night. - How did Jay Slater die?
He died from traumatic head injuries consistent with a fall in rugged terrain. - Are there suspects or ongoing investigations?
The Spanish police closed the case, but questions remain about the people Jay was last seen with. - What are the family’s next steps?
They are calling for an independent investigation and considering legal options.
