The family of a young Inverness man who died at his home just days after losing one of his best friends have described him as a “people person” who was always cheerful.
Michael Williamson was found dead just hours after returning from a night out to remember Martin Shaw who had died earlier in South Kessock.
Shocked friends have paid poignant tribute to the two men, who were both aged just 23 years.
Police have said that there were no suspicious circumstances to either death.
Yesterday, Mr Williamson’s father Iain described his son’s death as a “tragic accident”.
He added: “He’ll be missed by everyone who knew him.”
He described his son as a “people person” who was “cheery and always happy”.
He said: “He had a good word to say about everyone and he was just a good young man who made a good impression on people.
“There are people who only met him once leaving tributes to him, which we’ve been touched by. We haven’t yet organised the funeral but I’m certain that many people will want to pay tribute.”
He said that Michael had been “upset” by the death of Mr Shaw but had been “cheerful and happy” later in the evening.
Mr Williamson sen said: “We have to believe what happened was a tragic accident.”
Mr Williamson jun is also survived by his mother Sue and elder brother James.
He had trained as a chef and latterly worked as a barman at the Wetherspoons pub The Kings Highway in the city’s Church Street.
His employers paid tribute to the young barman saying: “The whole team is devastated by this untimely tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected at this most difficult time.”
Both men were involved with the Innes Bar Highland District Amateur Football League, which announced yesterday that a two-minute silence would be held before every match this weekend in memory of the pair.
Other friends left online tributes to the two men.
Robert MacKenzie said: “Two outstanding lads taken far too soon. They reminded me of each other, how happy and bubbly they were. Always laughter and never tears. Just the way I’m always going to remember them.”
Alex Henderson added: “I can’t put into words how much I’m going to miss these two. Two of my closest friends.
“My brothers. It’s going to be so hard to say goodbye. You both had such a big impact on my life and many others.
“I love you both and I hope you look after each other wherever you are. Much love lads.”
A police spokesman confirmed officer’s had received a report of Mr Shaw’s death at a house in South Kessock around 5pm on Saturday.
Mr Williamson’s death was reported in the Hilton area of the city at around 8am on Monday.
The spokesman said reports would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.
A spokeswoman for the Samaritans said: “Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place to talk for anyone who is struggling to cope, whoever you are and whatever life has done to you.”
The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, a free number which does not appear on phone bills, by e-mailing jo@samaritans.org, or by visiting www.samaritans.org