Ben McLean’s body was found in the back garden of an Edinburgh flat last Friday after the 22-year-old student fell from the second floor during a party.

The young Barrhead man’s death comes as another blow to the Renfrewshire community after 19-year-old footballer Kyle died in similar tragic circumstances just weeks before.

Kyle, who was lovably nicknamed ‘Doc’ by pals in Johnstone, died after he fell from the roof of a nightclub during New Year’s celebrations.

Many of those who knew Kyle had also been friends with tragic Ben, whose 19-year-old girlfriend Paige Watson, from Paisley, has posted a heartbreaking montage of photographs featuring her and Ben together on social media.

Her Facebook page has also been inundated with messages of support after she posted the pictures of Ben, whose parents described him as a “gentle and generous” young man who was in his second-year of studies as a medical student at Edinburgh University.

A statement from the devastated family said: “We are completely devastated at the loss of our talented and much loved son.

“Ben was gentle and generous, with a great sense of humour and a determination to be the best he could be.

“Words cannot describe our grief. We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and the support that we have received, and also request that our privacy be respected at this incredibly difficult time.” Police said they are currently treating the death of the 19-year-old, a former pupil of St Luke’s High School, as unexplained.

Shattered pals described him as a “true gent” and “legend” on social media sites Facebook and Twitter while expressing their shock and disbelief over the tragedy.

And Kyle, who played for Stenhousemuir Football Club, was laid to rest at St Margaret’s Church in Johnstone on January 15 — just hours before Ben’s death.

The 19-year-old Stenhousemuir player was buried in a purple coffin painted with scenes of revellers enjoying a rave shortly after the emotional service.

His death also prompted an outpouring of grief from friends and family who expressed their sadness and shock on social media websites.

He parents Kevin and Tracey issued a statement to the media in which they thank the community for the many kind words said about their late son.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by St Luke’s High School paid tribute to former pupil Ben McLean, describing him as “role model to his peers.” It read: “We are devastated to hear about the tragic death of one of our former pupils and extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family at this very painful time. Ben was an outstanding student both in terms of his academic attainment and personal qualities.

“Ben enjoyed excellent relationships with his peer group and his teachers and was a role model to younger students through his responsibilities as a Senior Prefect, S6 buddy and as a peer educator within the faculty of science.

“He spent much of his time in science, such was his commitment to achieving his academic goals and working towards a career in medicine, he was very highly regarded of by his teachers and the technicians with whom he worked most closely.

“Ben was always willing to give of his time to help others and without doubt would have enjoyed tremendous success in the field of medicine.

“Ben will be very sorely missed by all at St Luke’s and we will always remember him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.”