The Waihi community is mourning the death of 18-year-old John Balchin after his body was recovered from the Waihou River yesterday afternoon.

John had gone missing on Tuesday after he jumped out of a vehicle in Puriri, between Thames and Waihi, and was last seen running across farmland.

Waihi teen John Balchin. Photo: Supplied.

His body was found at 12.30pm on Wednesday on mudflats of the Waihou River, less than 100 metres from where he was last seen.

Tributes are flowing in from John's friends on Facebook today.

'You truly went off with a bang. Will always be in our hearts and remembered for the funny fella you are xx rest easy lovely,” says one post.

'I've never met anyone quite as special as John,” reads another.

'R.I.P I'm going to miss you so very much. God PLEASE bless his vibrant, happy and amazingly spirited soul, I love you man seriously going to miss you being around.”

John attended Waihi College and had been doing local jobs while he was looking for permanent work.

Police are still investigating the circumstances of John's death and are asking anyone who saw someone fitting his description between 2pm Tuesday afternoon and lunch time yesterday to contact Thames Police on 07 211 6224.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.