The body of a missing Irishman has been found in central Ecuador following a kayaking accident.
David Higgins, 26, died after getting into difficulty during a flash flood on the Abanico river in the southeast of the country.
The Kerry native, who lived in Galway, had been kayaking with 19-year-old Alex McGourty, from Sligo, whose body was discovered shortly after the incident, and three other men.
In a statement, Mr Higgins's family described him as a "vibrant and special person", who "packed more living and experiences into his 26 years than many people do in 80 years".
The family said: "While his life was all too short, we can only express our pride at all David did and achieved in his time and while we are devastated at the loss of our shining light, we take comfort from knowing that he lived his life to the full."
Mr Higgins's family thanked those involved in the search in Ecuador and appealed for privacy in the coming days.
Two members of the group have been found safe, but one remains missing.
US kayaker Jeremiath Stewart was rescued on Saturday, while Ecuadorian Joaquin Meneses was recovered yesterday.
The fifth member of the group, Englishman Adam Vaughen, is still missing.
The team was caught by a flash flood in a remote part of Ecuador.
Mr Higgins's body was found at 5pm local time yesterday on the banks of the Upano river, about 30km south of the Abanico river, the Morona Santiago local government said.
He was due home early next month before leaving for Uganda to go kayaking there.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is aware of both cases and that consular assistance was being provided.
