THE family of tragic student Euan Coulthard say his death has left them "totally bereft".

And they are "eternally" grateful to commercial diver Trevor Bankhead, who found Euan's is body in the River Wear at Durham City on Friday after travelling 170 miles from the Western Isles of Scotland .

The 19-year-old Durham University law student died after going missing on a night out in the city centre late on Wednesday, January 14.

His body was recovered from the River Wear on Friday (January 23) after it was discovered by diving enthusiast Trevor Bankhead.

Mr Coulthard's mother Hester, father Ross and 17-year-old sister, Frances, of Bottesford, Leicestershire, have spoken of their loss in a statement issued through police.

They said: “Losing Euan in the way we have has left us totally bereft and our lives will never be the same again.

"Euan was a friendly, out-going and fun-loving young man who embraced university life and had a very bright future ahead of him.

"He was thoroughly enjoying his time at St Mary’s College and had made many friends in his time there.

"We would like to thank the college for the unwavering support it has given us during a prolonged period of sadness and uncertainty, and also Euan’s friends who raised the alarm when he disappeared and joined in searches to find him.

"We will be eternally grateful to the diver who located him and who, with support of the emergency services, brought him home to us.”

Mr Bankhead, 45, of Chester-le-Street, County Durham, decided to use his knowledge of the river to look for the missing teenager after searches by the emergency services failed to find him.

When he found the body near Framwelgate Bridge -close to where CCTV captured the last live image of the youngster - Mr Bankhead said: "I've come to take you home my friend."

The Principal of St Mary's College, Professor Simon Hackett, said: “He was an extremely popular student with a warm character and a great sense of humour. “Euan was a genuine friend to many, this was evident from the sheer number of students who helped with the police search."

A book of condolence has been opened at King's School, Grantham, Lincolnshire, where Mr Coulthard had been a pupil.