The family of a student who died in a marina tragedy have paid tribute to him.
James Webb, 21, of Tytherington, went missing while on a night out with friends on Saturday in Plymouth, where he was student.
Emergency services were called to a harbour in the town centre in the early hours of Sunday after reports of a body in the water.
James, who was in his last year studying civil engineering at the university, was pulled from the water.
Paramedics treated him at the scene and he was then taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Police are treating his death as unexplained but say it is not suspicious.
Detectives are looking at CCTV footage covering the marina to work out what happened.
In a moving tribute his family – including mum Marie, dad Duncan, brother John, 25, sister Harriet, 26, and step-dad Colin Fearns – said: “James was a beautiful person. He was friends with everyone.
“Even though we lived away from each other, John in Australia, me in London, James was constantly in contact with us and mum every day.
“He was very family orientated. There are no words to describe what we are going through.”
His brother John added: “We were all really proud of the man he had become.”
James, of Lindrick Close, Tytherington, went to St Gregory’s Primary School in Bollington.
He studied at All Hallows Catholic College until 2006 when he moved to St David’s College, an independent boarding school in Llandudno, Wales.
Harriet said: “James struggled at school with dyslexia so my mum took the brave decision to send him to St David’s to get that extra help.
“It was the best decision they ever made. He grew as a person and excelled. He was incredibly hard working.”
The Revd Tim Hall, chaplain at St David’s, described James as a ‘cherished’ member the school.
He said: “James was a quiet, gentle, but very determined and committed pupil, who became a highly respected leader.
“He was a delight to spend time with, to teach and to share experiences with.
“He became Head of House in his final year and was highly respected by pupils and staff.”
At school James developed a love of the outdoors.
He achieved his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and travelled the world with the school’s outdoor activities club.
James had just discovered he had won a place on the Masters civil engineering course at the university.
Dr Maureen Powers, Dean of Students at Plymouth University, said: “James was a promising student who was close to graduating from his MEng Civil Engineering course just next year, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
Michelle Garvey, assistant principal at All Hallows Catholic College, said: “Teachers, support staff and pupils would like to pass on our deepest condolences to Mrs Webb, John, Harriet and all of their family and friends. Our college community are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.”
