An online crowdfunding campaign to raise money for a memorial for "loving family man" Alex Liddle has gained more than £2,000 in donations in two hours.
The 23-year-old, who died after going missing over the weekend, was found 70 miles from home in Northumberland on Sunday morning.
Tributes have been pouring in for Alex since Norhumbria Police confirmed his body had been discovered at the Kielder Water beauty spot in rural Northumberland.
Now his friends have started an online fundraising page to create a memorial to "keep his memory alive".
At the time of writing the GoFundMe page had already raised £2,108 in just two hours since being set up.
It said: "We have set up this page to raise funds for a memorial for our good friend Alex Liddle, he was a loving family man who cherished his family, girlfriend and friends.
"This money will go towards keeping his memory alive forever. He will always be in our hearts. We love you Alex."
Calum Little, who set up the page, said he had been friends with Alec since school and described him as "kind and generous".
Calum said: "He would do anything for anyone.
"We've been talking about planting a tree for him, or getting a chair.
"He loved scenery, he always liked to sit and look out, so hopefully we can get something near the beach."
Alex was reported missing after he failed to turn up to work on Friday evening. He had left his home in Seaham at 5pm but did not arrive at his factory job for his shift at 6pm.
A search was launched by police and his worried family and friends appealed for help to find him on social media.
In the early hours of Sunday morning, his body was discovered at the Kielder Water beauty spot in rural Northumberland.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a body of a man was found at Kielder Water at about 4.15am on Sunday morning.
"Formal identification is yet to take place but we do believe the body to be that of missing person Alex Liddle.
"Inquiries to locate Alex had been ongoing alongside Durham Constabulary after he was reported missing from his home in Seaham on Friday evening.
"There is not believed to have been any third party involvement in Alex’s death and a report has been prepared for the coroner.
"Our thoughts remain with Alex’s family at this difficult time."
Alex's sister Adele posted on Facebook: "My heart is absolutely broken.
"Thank you so much to every single one of you for sharing our posts and helping us search for Alex Liddle.
"Please respect our privacy at this very difficult time.
"Rest with the Angels little bro. You are my sunshine xx".
Alex's mum Claire McCabe also confirmed the news and said: "Thank you for all your kind messages."
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