Jay Slater, a 19-year-old British tourist, disappeared in Tenerife after attending a music festival in June 2024. His disappearance attracted global interest. Particularly once it emerged that one of the last people to spend time with him was a 31-year-old convicted drug dealer, Ayub Qassim. Qassim described his last moments with Slater, offering insight into the events leading up to the teen’s death.
About Jay Slater’s Disappearance
An apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire. Jay Slater flew to Tenerife in June 2024 with friends for the NRG Music Festival. On June 17, following the festival, he led two men, identified as one of those men. Qassim, and others to an Airbnb in the remote village of Masca. Slater checked out of the hotel the next morning but went missing after not being able to meet up with his friends. His body was found on July 15 in a ravine near where he was last seen. Authorities have said they believe he died from injuries related to falling.
Qassim’s Account of the Last Encounter
In an interview this week, Qassim recalled how his interactions with Slater on the night of June 16 and the morning of June 17 unfolded. He said he had met Slater at the NRG festival and had invited him to stay after he learned that Slater had lost touch with his friends. Slater arrived alive at the Airbnb, Qassim said, and had left on his own the following morning. Slater appeared uncomfortable, and turned down rides back, he said, and left in the early morning.
What Happened That Night at the Airbnb
According to Qassim, he, Slater and one other person left the festival. Stopped for kebabs and then returned to the Airbnb around 6:30am. Qassim gave Slater a phone charger, a blanket, a towel and cigarettes. Then went upstairs to sleep, leaving Slater on the sofa. Later, Qassim would learn that Slater had been messaging friends throughout the night telling them he was worried he would be hurt. Qassim said Slater never voiced to him that he felt uncomfortable, despite those concerns.
Airbnb team disbanded following Slater’s departure
The next day, the buzzer of the Airbnb woke Qassim up. Signaling that the property owners had arrived and were asking him to move his car. At this time, Slater told Qassim he was going to leave and get a bus back to where he was staying. Whereas Qassim offered to provide him with a ride afterward, Slater declined. Saying that he preferred to leave then and there. Qassim respected his decision, telling CBS News that he did not want Slater to feel forced to stay against his will.
Qassim’s Thoughts on the Incident
Qassim acknowledged feeling “survivor’s guilt” to learn of Slater’s disappearance but insisted he had no role in the tragedy. He said he had done his job by trying to help Slater. That Slater departed the Airbnb without causing any damage. Qassim also denounced online speculation and conspiracy theories that suggest he is involved. Maintaining that he has been honest with authorities and has “nothing to hide.”
Law Enforcement Probe and Speculation by the Public
Qassim and his companion were questioned by Spanish authorities after Slater went missing but they were deemed “irrelevant” to the investigation and were allowed to go back back to the UK. Nevertheless, public speculation continued due to both Qasim’s criminal record and the fact he was with Slater the night he went missing. Qassim was jailed for nine years in 2015 for running a drug operation in Wales.
