HUGGING one another tightly, devastated loved ones of popular schoolboy Adam Evans staged an emotional vigil from the bridge he was seen jumping off.

The 18-year-old's body was recovered from the River Tawe on Thursday afternoon — to the sheer shock of those who knew him best.

Yesterday, family and friends came together to lay floral tributes on Swansea's Sail Bridge as they struggled to make sense of the tragedy.

Some smiled through the tears as they shared their fond memories of former Morriston comprehensive pupil Adam.

Others simply stared numbly into the water in disbelief.

Local councillor John Davies said: "It is so sad.

"Everyone in the city feels for Adam's family right now."

Police have confirmed Morriston lad Adam was seen jumping 13ft from the city bridge at 1am on Thursday after going out with pals.

The alarm was raised instantly and led to a large-scale search operation — which included police, coastguards, a helicopter with heat-seeking technology as well as marina residents.

But as time wore on hopes faded. And at 4pm, a team of five police divers recovered a body from the river.

Since the news of Adam's death broke, more than 200 people have now signed up two Facebook groups set up in his memory.

Pals described the former West End FC youth player as caring, considerate and thoughtful. In a touching tribute to Adam, Facebook user Ffion Mead wrote: "You were such an amazing decent guy that would do anything for anyone."

Trying

And friend Sheridan Wood said of Scouting For Girls fan Adam: "I'm trying so hard to keep smiling for you — like the song you sent me which always made you smile 'Gotta keep smiling through the thunder and lightning, don't cry before your hurt'."

As daylight faded yesterday evening, friends continued to come and pay their last respects at the city landmark.

One friend who didn't want to be named said: "People just can't make sense of it. He was a really nice guy and well-liked too.

"The minute people heard the news about him jumping in the river, people came down to the river to support his family.

"Everyone who knew Ad will be there to support them."

Meanwhile, South Wales Police said it was continuing with its investigation into the death — which was not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman said: "South Wales Police in Swansea is investigating the death of an 18-year-old local man whose body was recovered from the River Tawe on Thursday.

"Emergency services conducted an extensive search of the area following reports a man had been seen entering the water at 1am on Thursday in the vicinity of the Sail Bridge near Sainsbury's supermarket.

"A body was recovered by specialist search units on Thursday afternoon.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage and an investigation is continuing on behalf of HM Coroner."

Adam's family, were said to be too distraught to talk as the Post went to press last night.

ben.wright@swwmedia.co.uk