Friends of Jay Slater gather in Oswaldtwistle for balloon release

A vigil was held in Jay Slater’s hometown tonight as dozens of his friends released blue balloons into the sky. Friends of the 19-year-old, whose body was discovered in Tenerife on Monday, July 15, gathered at a church in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, where he was from.

They met ahead of a prayer meeting held in Jay’s memory as balloons carried touching messages for the bricklayer’s apprentice. Among the messages were “you will be missed” and “fly high Jay”, while some showed Jay’s age – 19, reports MirrorOnline.

Spanish authorities confirmed today, July 16, that the remains found in the Canary Islands were those of Jay. His mother said she “wants to see” her son “one last time” – but a family spokesperson said they are “not sure if that is a memory” Debbie Duncan “will want”.

FIND OUT MORE: ‘Treasonable’ Tenerife ravine pictured after Jay Slater’s body discovered

Get the latest news at BirminghamLive WhatsAppclick on the link to participate

Jay had been missing for 29 days in Tenerife before the discovery on Monday, after the teenager went missing on June 17. Among those gathered at West End Methodist Church in the Lancashire town was Pam Kierons, who coached Jay in football.

She laid flowers at the church. Pam said: “I’m devastated for the family, devastated for Debbie. The outcome is not what anyone wanted, but at least they can bring his body home. It’s disgusting that people have delved into past issues and come up with crazy conspiracy theories. Unfortunately the most likely thing that could have happened has happened.”

Reverend Matt Smith said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We are here and supporting them when they need us.” Blue ribbons were tied to trees and lamp posts across the town and to the railings outside the church to show support for the family.

Rev. Smith opened the church to give members of the local community an “opportunity to come together and just share their feelings, their thoughts and their prayers with each other.” Inside the church, visitors could light a candle for Jay and sign a book of condolence. A photo of Jay sat on the altar while screens on either side also showed photos of the teen.