THE devastated family of teen sailing star Jess Eales have paid tribute to their late daughter.

Jess, 17, was found dead near Sway in the New Forest last week the day after her birthday.

In a statement released today, her family said: “Jess was a beautiful, talented, and adored girl. Her death is devastating to us all.

"We are issuing this today on the understanding that members of media now leave us to grieve in private."

Jess recently competed for Great Britain in a youth sailing championship in Portugal.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner ahead of an inquest.