THE school attended by 14-year-old Noah Donohoe have described him as "a perfect gentleman".
The body of the teenager was recovered from a storm drain in north Belfast on Saturday morning, after almost a week of desperate searches by specialist teams supported by hundreds of volunteers.
Police have said there was no evidence of foul play.
Noah's disappearance sparked a huge outpouring of sympathy across Ireland.
A gofundme page set up by a family friend from Strabane, where his mother Fiona is originally from, had raised well over £50,000 to assist with funeral expenses last night.
The teenager, from south Belfast, was last seen at 6.11pm on Sunday June 21 om the north of the city.
His disappearance, which police said was completely out of character for the model St Malachy's College pupil, sparked a huge search operation.
Specialist teams were brought into comb the area around the Shore Road where he was last seen - an area he was not familiar with nor had any known connection to.
Community volunteers were asked to stay away on Thursday after the large number of people arriving in the area started to hinder the official search teams.
An only child, Noah's mother Fiona was visibly distressed at a press conference on Wednesday where she was supported by her two sisters.
Police said they believed Noah travelled to north Belfast had a fall from his bike and suffered a head injury. After this he removed his clothing and was later seen on his bike naked.
His bike was discovered in a garden and searchers also found Noah's skateboarding helmet, trainers, hoodie and his mobile phone.
On Friday Noah's backpack with a laptop and copy of the book Twelve Rules For Life by Jordan B Peterson were also recovered.
The laptop was being examined for any clue as to where Noah was going on the day of his disappearance or if he was meeting anyone.
A khaki green North Face coat and grey sweat shorts he was wearing have still not been recovered.
In a statement yesterday, St Malachy's principal Paul McBride said the "whole college family mourns the tragic loss of our young Malachian, Noah Donohoe".
It was the second statement from the school in less than a week, the first praying for Noah's safe return.
Mr McBride said: "Noah embraced fully all aspects of school life. He was an active and prominent member of the music department, and as a talented young cellist, Noah was able to enhance the lives of his fellow performers and also many an audience.
"He was a natural leader who led by example. His caring nature, calm demeanour and big smile were some of his great gifts that helped others do their best. He was also a keen basketball and rugby player both in and out of school.
"He has been described as the perfect gentleman who was also able to show a genuine competitive spirit on the court.
"One of his teachers and coach said that Noah had a heart of a lion being able to express himself on the pitch, shouting, laughing and having fun with his friends whilst in class he was normally measured and modest.
"In his short three years at St Malachy’s, Noah received much recognition and numerous awards for his contribution and dedication to college life. These include 'The Spirit of the College Award', full attendance, class prizes and UK Maths Challenge success.
"The college has been blessed to have had such an outstanding student and person as a most valued member of our family, one who was already exhibiting the characteristics of a true Malachian, finding and doing his best by living our motto 'Gloria ab intus'.
"We know that Noah was always immensely proud to represent the college and we benefitted greatly from his talents, presence, participation and warm personality.
"We are all deeply saddened at Noah’s passing away, and we offer prayers for and support to his mother, Fiona, family members, friends and also his extended family - all of us associated with St Malachy’s College. Noah will always be a treasured member of our Malachian family.
"May Noah rest in peace".
Bishop Noel Treanor also sent condolences to the family, saying: "On behalf of the Diocese of Down and Connor, I offer my deepest sympathies and prayerful support to Fiona and the Donohoe family at this time of profound tragedy and mourning. Noah and his family have been very much in my thoughts and prayers since his disappearance last Sunday.
"Words cannot begin to describe the experience of distress and sense of pain and heartache that the Donohoe family are feeling at this time."
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said the news of Noah's death was "devastating".
"My thoughts, like the entirety of north Belfast and beyond are with Noah’s mother Fiona, his family and friends."
DUP MLA William Humphrey said it was the "news that none of us wanted to hear".
"At this time let us remember Noah’s mother, his family and friends in prayer. May God bless and sustain them in the days ahead."
SDLP councillor Paul McCusker said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Noah’s family and loved ones. They are in unimaginable pain today and I know the community of north Belfast will pull together to support them in any way that we can.”
Superintendent Muir Clark, who headed up the search, said police were continuing to provide support to the Donohoe family.
He added: “It is disappointing that I again need to comment about people circulating a number rumours about Noah’s disappearance which are completely without foundation. This type of commentary and rumour is distressing for Noah’s family and unhelpful.
“An investigation into the circumstances of Noah’s disappearance is continuing, but there is no evidence to suggest foul play."
