Their suffering has also been made worse by sick ghouls who have peddled vicious claims on social media.
Relentless trolling has destroyed me, says Jay’s tearful mum
Brave Debbie told The Sun in an exclusive interview how the trolling started as soon as she arrived in Tenerife after Jay, 19, went missing on June 17.
Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral of Jay, of Oswaldtwistle, Lancs at Accrington Crematorium on Saturday, August 10.
Funeral director Sarah Barton, who officiated the service, told the congregation how “Jay touched the lives of so many people”.
She also read out moving eulogies from three of Jay’s closest friends, including schoolmate James Curry who described the party-loving teen as “like a brother”.
In her first interview since Jay’s death, Debbie told The Sun…
Debbie slammed trolls who have been hounding her family and spreading nasty comments and baseless claims on platforms such as TikTok and Facebook.
She added: “The people saying stuff about him didn’t know Jay and they don’t know us.
“He hasn’t been here to defend himself against all these horrible stories that were going on around the world about him.”
ANALYSIS: Tears and laughter - a beautiful end fo Jay's tragic story
By Katie Davis
IT was an emotional end to an extremely tragic story as Jay Slater was laid to rest on August 10.
Jay’s brave family did him proud as they put on a beautiful send-off for the 19-year-old.
Despite the rainy weather, hundreds of Jay’s loved ones gathered at Accrington Crematorium to say farewell to the beloved teen.
His heartbreaking disappearance captured the attention of millions around the world.
Both young and old followed updates every step of the way, and it was devastating when Jay’s body was found 29 days after he disappeared in Tenerife.
But it brought much-needed closure for his courageous mum Debbie, dad Warren and brother Zak who were forced to endure the cruel hounding of online trolls.
Debbie promised to give Jay the send-off he deserved, and I am sure everyone who attended would agree she did just that.
It was exceptionally moving to today stand outside the chapel in the sea of blue outfits, ribbons and flowers as his family and friends said goodbye.
Though many tears were shed, it was heartwarming to hear guests laugh as they watched videos of Jay dancing.
As his closest family and friends have said, Jay always had a smile on his face – and that’s how they want to remember him.
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