Police have confirmed that the body pulled from the River Leven at Methil on Wednesday afternoon was that of missing Springfield teenager Thomas Brown.
He had become separated from his friends on a night out last Friday.
His family became increasingly concerned and he was reported missing to Police on Saturday, who launched an extensive search for him.
In a tribute today, Thomas, known as Tommy, was described as a loving, gentle-natured boy who was popular, outgoing and who loved spending time with his family.
The family said: “Tommy will be sadly missed by his parents Betsy and Tommy and siblings Hughie, Elizabeth Anne, Mary, Patricia, Dean and sister-in-law Janet.
“Tommy worked with his father as a landscape gardener. He also helped his many uncles and brother Hughie who are also landscape gardeners and builders.
“Tommy was part of Scotland’s Travelling fraternity who have very close relationships with all family members from all over Scotland and his death has left the extended family in shock at their loss.
“He will be sadly missed by his family and we are requesting to be given privacy to grieve at this difficult time.”
Police divers began searching the River Leven at a part known locally as the “dam” on Monday but due to high tide, the fast flowing river and short daylight the search was very difficult.
Tommy’s extended family had been down at the “dam” and the surrounding area since Saturday in the hope of finding him nearby and remained there until his body was found.
Police have not yet confirmed whether a body recovered from the beach at Dumbarnie Links near Upper Largo earlier on Wednesday was that of missing Leven woman Catriona Kennedy.
However, they did confirm on Wednesday that following the discovery of the bodies, the search for 29-year-old Ms Kennedy had been called off.