Tributes have been paid to 15-year-old Dungannon boy Matthew McCallan following the discovery of a body near Fintona on Monday.
Matthew had gone missing following a night out with friends at a country music night in the Co Tyrone town on Saturday.
Sadly, police recovered what they believe to be Matthew’s body on Monday following extensive search efforts in the Fintona area involving hundreds from the local community.
Police say they are currently treating the death as unexplained, with detectives in its criminal investigations department investigating the circumstances.
In a social media post on Monday, Matthew’s mum Frances thanked all those who helped coordinate the search efforts for her only child, who she described as ‘beautiful'.
“To all the wonderful people who came out to help look for my beautiful son you were amazing, the community spirit was unbelievable.
“I can't thank you all enough. He is now an angel in heaven and is going to be missed so much by his mummy, daddy and loving family. Sleep tight my darling.”
The Year 12 student at St Patrick’s College in Dungannon was described by the school's principal Catherine McHugh as the apple of his parent's eyes.
"He was the apple of his mummy and daddy's eye," Catherine told Belfast Live..
"They just loved him so much and it's just devastating for them. He was a quiet lad and had a tight circle of friends.
"He was just a very quiet, modest, likable boy and his smile would have lit up a room.
"It'll be a big loss to his friends and the school community here and we will be providing them with that support. A lot of the staff and students were all down trying to help with the search and that is a tribute to how highly thought of he was."
Catherine added: "He enjoyed nothing better than being in the workshop getting the chance to develop his skills.
"For Christmas his father had only just bought him a toolbox – he would have so loved that.
"We have not just lost a member of our school community – the world has lost a young man full of potential, ready and eager to start out on his journey of life and work."
Independent Dungannon councillor Barry Monteith said his thoughts were with Matthew’s family at such a sad time.
“Sadly, we weren't able to find Matthew safe and sound,” Cllr Monteith said.
“Thoughts are with Peter, Frances and all who love Matthew. The community response was amazing.
“It will continue in the coming days to help the family and friends through this.”
Sinn Féin councillor for West Tyrone Stephen McCann said a dark cloud had descended upon the Fintona area following the news on Monday.
“As a parent myself it's unimaginable to think what Matthew’s Mum and Dad are going through at the minute.
“I do want to commend the response from the Fintona people and further afield when it became clear the gravity of the situation.
“The Christmas Lights will remain off this evening in the town in a small gesture of solidarity with the McCallan family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all Matthews family and friends as they face the time ahead.”
