The construction firm employing Jay Slater, who is currently missing, has issued a plea for individuals to cease sending them “callous” emails amidst the ongoing search for him, now in its eleventh day.
PH Build Group has decided to share one of the numerous messages it has received, as online conspiracy theories surrounding the disappearance of the 19-year-old circulate across social media platforms.
In a Facebook statement, the construction company expressed: “These individuals are attempting to disrupt people’s lives and businesses while hiding behind screens seeking attention.
“Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and emotions, but publicly sharing them when aware of the potential harm is simply heartless.
“Jay’s family should not have to endure this.
“The primary focus should be on reuniting a 19-year-old son with his family where he belongs.”
Prior to this, the teenager’s mother, Debbie Duncan, and friends have been subjected to online conspiracy theories regarding his disappearance.
The apprentice bricklayer was on vacation with friends in southern Tenerife before heading to the northwestern mountain village of Masca with individuals he met at the NRG music festival on Sunday, June 16.
Following a missed bus, he informed a friend over the phone at 8:30am the next morning that he was returning to his accommodation on foot, an 11-hour journey.
Mr. Slater’s family has flown to Tenerife while authorities and mountain rescue teams continue their search for the teenager.
The recent statements from PH Build’s Group follow a previous Facebook post by the company this week dispelling the “misleading portrayal” of Mr. Slater.
On Monday, the company proclaimed: “We have opted to remove our prior post due to the influx of negative comments and conspiracy theories.
“Jay has been a part of our team since leaving school, highly regarded by all. He is a valued member, and our support for him remains steadfast.
“The depiction of him is inaccurate. The reality is, he is a 19-year-old youth missing in a foreign land. He needs to be back home where he belongs. Jay, we are all hoping for your safe return.”