Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a 'genuine and caring lad' after a body was found by police in the search for him on Boxing Day.
Emergency services were called to the Hercules Den area in Arbroath after Leon Gibson, 21, was reported missing. He was last seen that morning at 6.45am before a search was launched.
Police and firefighters were pictured scouring woodland near the Brothock Burn shortly before the grim discovery was made at around 11am. While formal identification has yet to take place, Leon's heartbroken family were informed.
Tributes have flooded in for budding athlete Leon, who has been described as a 'lovely young lad'.
Lauren Anderson said: "A lifelong friend. You always knew how to light the room without even trying. Thankful to have shared some unforgettable memories with you.
"You will live on everyday in the hearts of your family and friends. Behave up there, but not too much."
Kaysai Richardson said: “Heartbroken isn’t even the word. I'm so sad that I won’t get to see you again. One of the nicest, caring people I’ll ever meet. Always took time to look after every single one of us no matter what time of day it was.
“You always brought a smile and laughter to everyone’s face as soon as you stepped in the room. So glad to be able to call you one of my best mates. Will miss your terrible dancing forever, we’ll all make you proud, love you always brother.”
Craig Phillip added: “From meeting you a few years ago to taking you under my wing and having you live with me for 2 years, I always thought I was looking after you but in truth you were looking out for me.
“Never met a more genuine, innocent, friendly, great energy person. I’ll treasure you and our memories.
“I’ll never be the same again. I will always love you Leon. Fly high, always in my heart.”
Lisa Webster said “Leon was one of the most polite and cheeriest lads I knew. Never ever passed me by, always giving me a wave and a huge smile when I passed in the car. There are a lot of sore and weeping hearts in our wee town today.
"It’s so sad seeing all the posts from folk who knew him, but it shows just what a lovely young lad he was. Loved by many who have their wonderful memories of him dancing, singing and smiling. Rest in peace Leon.”
Arbroath Amateur Boxing Club said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Leon Gibson. Leon was a friendly person who always put 100% into every session he attended. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
Arbroath Community Sports Club added: “The club are devastated to hear of the tragic loss of Leon Gibson. Leon was part of our 2001 squad, he was such an amazing, talented, kind and special lad who will always be part of our club. We are sending our love to all the family at this saddest of times.”
Meanwhile a local shop from which Leon delivered newspapers paid tribute in a post on their Facebook page.
HAQS-Arbroath said: “So saddened to hear about the passing of Leon Gibson, he was a paperboy with us a few years ago, such a nice lad, always pleasant and cheery, RIP young man.”
Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the death but say there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
A statement from Police Scotland said: “Around 11am on Monday, December 26, the body of a man was recovered from a burn in the Hercules Den area of Arbroath.
“Formal identification has yet to take place, however, the family of Leon Gibson, 21, who was reported missing from Arbroath in the early hours of this morning, have been informed.
“Enquiries into the cause of his death, which police are not treating as suspicious at this time, are continuing. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
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