North Yorkshire police said 19-year-old Evan Jeffrey Do and Lily of Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, were York University students.
Police divers recovered the body from the river at 11:45am on Wednesday (March 5).
Evan was reported to have entered the river from Woosebridge in the city centre at 3:06am on the same day.
His family now says, “Evan is our sunshine, our boy and will always be.
“He was bright, funny, loving, kind, generous, relaxed, with a smile lit up in the room. His soul is gentle. There are no words to express our sadness.
“I would like to thank everyone who sent me words of kindness and support, and everyone who tried to help Evan.
“This is the worst nightmare for every parent, every family. I hope his friend has all the support he needs.”
