The death of a teenager who drowned in a quarry is being linked to the ice bucket challenge craze.

Cameron Lancaster, 18, died after disappearing under the water at Preston Hill quarry in Inverkeithing, Fife, on Saturday.

Emergency services were called to the scene and his body was recovered about 9pm. His family paid tribute to him and described his death as a great loss.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the death. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, it has been reported that the teenager "tombstoned" – jumping feet first into deep water – into the quarry as a new take on the ice-bucket challenge.

The family of Lancaster, from Burntisland, Fife, remembered his "friendliness, kindness and thoughtful generosity of spirit".

In a statement released by Police Scotland, his family said: "Cameron died in a tragic accident. His death is such a great loss. During his short life, he touched so many people with his friendliness, kindness and thoughtful generosity of spirit. He will be hugely missed by his family and friends.

"The family are finding it hard to come to terms with this sudden loss and would ask for privacy."

A police spokesman said: "Inquiries are under way to establish the full circumstances of what happened and Police Scotland's thoughts are with the family."

The ice bucket challenge is a social media craze aimed at raising awareness and money for the neurodegenerative disease ALS, or motor neurone disease. Participants have a bucket of cold water poured over their head, donate to charity and nominate others to take the challenge.