The 19-year-old passed away on Friday after he fell from a building in Edinburgh. His body was discovered in a rear garden at West Preston Street at around 9am on January 16.

His death prompted an outpouring of grief from friends and family who expressed their sadness and shock on social media websites.

He parents Kevin and Tracey have now issued a statement to the media in which they thank the community for the many kind words said about their late son.

It said: “We are completely devastated at the loss of our talented and much loved son.

“Ben was gentle and generous, with a great sense of humour and a determination to be the best he could be.

“Words cannot describe our grief. We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and the support that we have received, and also request that our privacy be respected at this incredibly difficult time.” Police said they are currently treating the death of the 19-year-old, a former pupil of St Luke’s High School, as unexplained.

Bright student Ben is thought to have been in his second-year of studies at Edinburgh University’s Medical School.

Shattered pals described him as a “true gent” and “legend” on social media sites Facebook and Twitter while expressing their shock and disbelief over the tragedy.