Family Responds as TikTok Influencer Exits Search Effort Citing Financial Concerns
The family of Jay Slater has countered a TikTok figure who has decided to cease participation in the search for the missing teenager, emphasizing the need for specialists over amateur helpers.
Callum Fahim, who traveled to Tenerife after connecting with the 19-year-old’s mother online, informed Sky News about his withdrawal from the search after encountering threats and facing financial disputes.
Fahim mentioned that neither he nor his team have received any financial assistance from the funds raised to aid in locating Mr. Slater, prompting his decision to head back to the UK by Thursday.
According to statements given to Sky News by Mr. Slater’s family, his mother, Debbie Duncan, provided Fahim with £740 from her personal funds for accommodations. However, Fahim’s attitude shifted negatively when additional financial support was denied.
The family intends to utilize the funds for engaging professional search and rescue teams, which could incur substantial costs but require official approval to proceed.
“We are grateful for every individual who has participated,” they expressed.
“He may be a hiker, but what we truly need are experts.”
Mr. Slater was last in contact on 17 June before embarking on an approximately 11-hour journey back to his residence.
Authorities halted the ground search on 30 June after a 12-day effort. Nevertheless, Ms. Duncan affirmed that she and her family will continue scouring the island.
In a GoFundMe statement aimed at aiding the quest for her son, who has amassed close to £50,000 in donations, Ms. Duncan expressed gratitude towards Spanish officials and supporters.
She clarified that a portion of the funds will be allocated to assist volunteers combing through the mountainous terrain for Mr. Slater, yet Fahim insists he has not received any financial aid.
The TikTok sleuth joined the search for Jay Slater – but has now decided to return home. Pic: Callum Fahim
Supporting Search Efforts
Regarding Fahim and another individual from TikTok who journeyed to Tenerife to offer assistance, Ms. Duncan mentioned: “We are currently attending to Paul Arnett (sic), preparing a package of necessary equipment and supplies for him while arranging a delivery.”
“We are also providing Callum Fahim and his team with accommodations and other critical support.”
The residual funds will go towards backing rescue teams, the family’s ongoing expenses during their stay in Tenerife, and search efforts to locate their missing loved one, Ms. Duncan explained.
Following the statement, Fahim, in his twenties, revealed to Sky News: “I have not received any support from the GoFundMe campaign.”
“Not a single essential has been covered for us,” he added.
“I have yet to receive any funds or even offers to procure supplies.
“Personally, I might have welcomed a small gesture at week’s end, but it’s no big deal,” Fahim remarked.
Challenges and Disputes
Jay Slater and his mother, Debbie Duncan. Pic: Lucy Law
Contradicting Fahim’s statements, Mr. Slater’s family contended that he had agreed to be included in the GoFundMe update initially. However, his name was seemingly edited out later, and Fahim’s financial concerns were not acknowledged.
The family claimed Fahim voluntarily traveled to Tenerife seeking accommodation and accused him of seeking a cost-free vacation.
“This is about Jay’s well-being as he remains missing, not about finances,” Mr. Slater’s family emphasized.
“We are actively engaged in finding Jay to the best of our abilities. We cannot hazard individual safety by embarking on hazardous solo endeavors,” they continued.
“Our priority is Jay’s safe return.”
Fahim, who has been communicating with Ms. Duncan, mentioned coordinating search efforts with a local hiking group to cover potential routes taken by Mr. Slater.
Milly, a member of the group familiar with the region, stated: “We reside here and do not require accommodations.
We have not been provided any supplies and do not expect or accept them. We have not even been given water bottles,” she added.
**TikToker Fahim Withdraws from Jay Slater Search**
Mr. Fahim, a TikToker involved in the search for Jay Slater, expressed concerns about the dangerous situation in Tenerife and mentioned receiving death threats, leading him to decide to step back from the search efforts. His decision was made after a discussion with Ms. Duncan, a key figure in the search.
Addressing speculations surrounding the GoFundMe page, Ms. Duncan clarified in a Facebook post that the funds had not been utilized thus far and their expenses had been self-funded. She emphasized her reluctance to provide detailed justifications for the expenditures, stating that individuals who had contributed were appreciated.
The search for Jay Slater in the village of Masca included thorough exploration of challenging terrains by helicopters, drones, and search dogs. Despite exhaustive efforts, the apprentice bricklayer from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, remained unlocated.
Ms. Duncan confirmed the conclusion of the police land search, highlighting ongoing investigative efforts to determine the reasons behind Jay’s journey to a distant location from his initial accommodation.
**Background on Jay Slater’s Disappearance**
Jay Slater, who traveled to Tenerife with friends to attend a music festival, was reported missing after leaving the event and relocating to an Airbnb in Masca with two unrelated individuals. Suspicions were ruled out regarding the involvement of these men in Jay’s disappearance.
In a distressing phone call to his friend Lucy Law on 17 June, Jay mentioned missing his bus, sustaining a leg injury from a cactus, feeling disoriented in the mountains, and being unable to find his way back to his lodging. The search efforts intensified in the quest to locate the young man.
Misplaced Teenager in Tenerife Sparks Massive Search Efforts
During a recent incident in Tenerife, a young man named Jay Slater found himself with a dwindling phone battery, signaling just “1%” power remaining, according to Miss Law. Not long after, his phone completely died, and concerns were raised as he went missing around 9.04am.
Last Known Location
Before disappearing, Jay Slater was last sighted in the Rural de Teno Park, near Masca. Reports from a local cafe owner disclosed that Mr. Slater endeavored to catch a bus back to his stay in Los Cristianos.
A Cafe Owner’s Account
Ofelia Medina Hernandez, the cafe proprietor, recalled conversing with the teenager at 8am on the day he vanished. She informed him about an upcoming bus scheduled for 10am, but Jay chose to embark on foot. On her way, she spotted him striding briskly along the road.
Search Efforts
Following the teenager’s disappearance, the Civil Guard appealed for volunteers via Sky News to partake in the search operation in the Masca region on the subsequent Saturday. Despite attracting only a few volunteers, the combined team of 30 to 40 people diligently combed through extensive and challenging terrain in hopes of locating Mr. Slater.
Family’s Response
The teenager’s family intends to mobilize volunteer groups familiar with the rugged terrain and knowledgeable about the area. They plan to provide necessary supplies such as food and water for the search efforts.
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