THE parents of young medical student who died after falling from a window at a party have paid tribute to their "gentle and generous" son.

As told in the Evening Times, Ben McLean was found in a back garden in the Newington area of Edinburgh on Friday morning.

His parents said: "Words cannot describe our grief."

The 22-year-old, from Barrhead, had been at a party at the address the night before and the other people in the flat were asleep when he fell from a second floor window.

A statement released by his parents 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."

Ben was a second-year student at Edinburgh University's Medical School, having been a pupil at St Luk's High School in East Renfrewshire.

Patricia Scott, headteacher at the school, also paid tribute to the young student.

She said: "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."

Police say his death is unexplained, adding a 19-year-old male has been charged with the supply of drugs.