Jay Slater: Mother Launches “Jay’s Law” Campaign Against “Tragedy Trolling” After Inquest Rules Accidental Death

In a powerful call for change, Debbie Duncan, mother of 19-year-old Jay Slater, is campaigning for new legislation dubbed “Jay’s Law” to protect grieving families from relentless online trolling and conspiracy theories — even after a coroner ruled her son’s death an accident.

Jay Slater, from Oswaldtwistle in Lancashire, disappeared in Tenerife on June 17, 2024, after attending the NRG music festival with friends. He was reported missing the next day. His body was found 29 days later in a remote ravine in the Parque Rural de Teno. An inquest at Preston Coroner’s Court concluded on July 25, 2025, that Jay died from traumatic head injuries after falling 20–25 metres while attempting to descend the difficult terrain. Senior Coroner Dr James Adeley ruled the death accidental, with no evidence of third-party involvement. Jay had consumed drugs and alcohol, his phone battery had died, and he faced a gruelling 14-hour walk back to his accommodation.

Despite the clear ruling, the online abuse never stopped. Debbie Duncan has spoken of being accused of murder, of Jay being involved in a “drug cartel,” and of fake images and cruel speculation spreading across social media. “It absolutely broke me,” she told interviewers. “Something has to change.”

Backed by her local Labour MP Sarah Smith, Debbie launched a parliamentary peтιтion in September 2025 calling for “Jay’s Law” — legislation that would place legal duties on social media platforms to swiftly remove harmful misinformation and abuse targeting bereaved families. The campaign has gained support from other families of missing people and was raised in the House of Commons. As of April 2026, nearly two years after Jay’s death, Debbie says the trolling remains “relentless.”

The inquest heard how Jay’s friends tried to persuade him to return to their accommodation, but he continued alone. His final hours were spent navigating treacherous mountainous terrain in the dark. The coroner emphasised there was “no third party involved.”

Debbie’s fight is not just about her son. She wants to ensure no other family endures the same “torture.” “We want to be the last family to go through this,” she said.

Jay’s Law would force platforms to act faster against “tragedy trolling” — the deliberate spread of lies, conspiracy theories, and personal attacks that compound grief. Supporters argue current laws are too slow and weak.

As the campaign gains momentum, the question remains: will lawmakers deliver the protection Debbie Duncan is fighting for? For now, her message is clear — Jay’s legacy must include real change.