Leon Vernon-White: Family's tribute to 'loving' son who died after canoe capsized in the River Teifi
The family of a "loving" busker who died after the canoe he was in capsized have paid tribute to him.
Leon Vernon-White, 24, was reported missing from Cardigan, Ceredigion, shortly before 7.40pm on Thursday.
This prompted a multi-agency search of a part of the 76-mile River Teifi, which flows through the town.
Dyfed-Powys Police, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and HM Coastguard were all in attendance.
The search lasted several hours, but a body was recovered from the water at around 1am on Friday.
It is understood Mr Vernon-White, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, was visiting his mum.
Mr Vernon-White's family have paid tribute to "a free spirit".
They said he "had the ability to put a smile on everyone's face".
"He could be mischievous and stubborn but also caring and loving and fiercely loyal, a constant source of entertainment to all those who knew him," they said.
He would busk around the Tewkesbury area, playing his guitar and singing.
"He described himself as a jewellery artist, musician and science enthusiast, and this sums him up perfectly," his family added.
"Leon loved animals, especially his two dogs Missy and Sid, who went everywhere with him."
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They said he was a "real character" with "a large circle of friends".
"He will be deeply missed, loved and forever in our hearts."
His family have thanked the emergency services for their response to the incident, and also expressed their gratitude to family members and friends for their support.
