TRIBUTES have been paid to a musician whose body was found in a canal after he went missing from a rave.

Andrew Cooke, from Crystal Palace, was last seen leaving the party at a disused building in Lea Valley Road, Chingford, on the afternoon of Sunday, February 12.

The body of a man matching his description was discovered just over a month later (March 13) in the canalized section of the River Lee by Wharf Road, next to the Kings George’s Reservoir just over the border in Enfield.

Before the 29-year-old’s body was discovered his family carried out multiple searches of the area and distributed hundreds of leaflets and posters in an attempt to find him.

His uncle Brian Cooke, 63, from Orpington, said: “We’re deeply sorry.

“His parents are in shock and in grief. Although it’s also a relief to us now we know.

“Andrew had a young and very talented life, and we know from the Facebook group [which raised awareness of his disappearance], which has nearly five-and-a-half thousand followers, that he was well liked.

“We’re very grateful to the people and shopkeepers of Chingford who helped in the search and displayed posters.”

His band The Shady Grays have decided to split up because of his death, with the status on their Reverbnation webpage: “The Shady Grays sadly announce their demise due to the death of Drummer Andrew "Cookie" Cooke.He is irreplaceable.RIP Cookie xxxxxxxxxxxxx.”

And countless messages have been posted on the Facebook tribute group.

They include one from Jess O'Callaghan who said: “Oh my goodness I'm so very sorry my thoughts are with all andys family and anyone who knew him at such a sad time xxx.”

And Chalky White wrote: “So sad ,my old form mate and musical pal the legendary liitle dude cookie , love & respect to all the cook family..xxxx.”