Grieving relatives of a teenager who drowned in a Highland harbour last night spoke of their devastation following the third tragedy to hit the family in six years.
The family of Alexander Fraser also said that they are hoping to discover what led to him falling into the water at Nairn.
And as the family try to come to terms with Saturday night’s tragedy, tributes poured in for the young man.
A huge search involving several teams of rescuers was launched at the mouth of the River Nairn after Mr Fraser vanished in the water.
It emerged yesterday that Mr Fraser, 19, appeared to lose his balance and fall into the river from the pier wall while he and friends were walking from the beach.
Hero cousin Steven Stewart went into the water to try and save him but was unable to help him ashore.
Mr Stewart, of Inverness, was too upset to speak about the tragedy yesterday. At the time of his death, Mr Fraser was living with him and his mother, Mary, in Inverness.
Police divers found Mr Fraser’s body on Sunday close to the spot where he fell in and near a ladder leading up the pier wall.
Mr Fraser’s mother Sharon Stewart was being cared for by relatives in Easter Ross last night as she mourned the loss of her only child.
She travelled to the Highlands from her home in Glasgow on Sunday.
A family member said she was distraught at her son’s death.
It is the third tragedy for the family since 2008.
In that year, Mr Fraser’s uncle Colin Stewart was 19 when he drowned in the River Balnagown in Easter Ross after becoming separated from his brothers on the way home from the Shandwick Inn, near Kildary.
And just five months later, Colin Stewart’s elder brother John, 23, died after collapsing at a friend’s house.
Mr Fraser grew up in Easter Ross and attended Invergordon Academy. He was also a student of vehicle mechanics at Inverness College UHI.
He had recently completed a 12 week placement as a tyrefitter with the Inverness branch of McConechy’s.
Branch manager Martin Grant said yesterday: “It has been a big shock to us. He was a nice young boy.
“He will definitely be missed by us all.”
Police inquiries are continuing in the incident.
Friends also paid their tributes on social networking websites.
One friend, Alex Mitchell said: “RIP Alexander Fraser gone but never forgotten.”
And another, Niomi McCabe, wrote: “RIP Alexander, you will be well missed. Thoughts go out to your friends and family. RIP you were one of the best. Sleep tight, you will be well missed in all our hearts.”
Lauren Murray said: “RIP Alexander gone but not forgotten. You are missed deeply darling, another young life taken.”
And Daniel Sutherland said: “Rest in piece Alexander Fraser. You were a top man, we were in the same regi class in school and when we got to know each other we were always laughing in the mornings. Such a sound guy. Doesn’t deserve to leave us this early but as we all know, the best are taken from us early. RIP buddy.”