Jay Slater's mother has slammed the British public, claiming that she is "very let down" by the lack of support.
Jay, 19, went missing on June 17 in Tenerife after attending the NRG music festival with his friends.
After opting to stay out with two men he had met that night, Jay called his friend Lucy Mae Law at 8:15AM saying he was lost, thirsty, and planning to walk back to their apartment.
This was a journey estimated to take around 10 hours. Less than an hour later, Lucy Mae reported Jay missing to Spanish authorities.
It's now been over a week since the British teen went missing and despite a fundraising page generating £35,000 of donations, Jay's mom Debbie Duncan isn't happy with the support her family has received.
The fundraising campaign has divided opinion, and Debbie has been subjected to online trolling.
She responded to the criticism on Facebook, expressing her disappointment in the public’s reaction.
"I am really saddened by all your comments. You seem to be so bothered about this GoFundMe page," Debbie wrote, cited by the Daily Mail.
"I really hope I am not taking my son home in a body bag. I really cannot believe the British public are not supporting me in trying to find Jay. This may happen to any of you one day. Very let down by you all."
Debbie clarified: "The funds are not released and won’t be if not needed."
She later added: "Sorry that you have taken this the wrong way. I am overwhelmed with the generosity. What I meant was VERBAL support. I really hope I don't need this money. If it's not needed it all gets refunded to the people who really did care."
In another post, Debbie thanked supporters for their generosity and clarified that this is the only GoFundMe approved by the family.
"Thank you all for your generosity and kindness during this difficult time. I wanted to confirm that this is the only GoFundMe fundraiser approved by our family," she stated.
"We are extremely worried and are doing everything we can to find Jay. Please continue to share our fundraiser far and wide. Your support means the world to us, and we are grateful for any help you can provide."
The search for Jay has entered its second week, with local firefighters and the Tenerife Civil Defence scouring the National Park of Teno in the northwest of the island, where Jay’s phone last pinged.
Debbie has expressed fears that her son may have been taken against his will.
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