Model Tali Lennox has said her “heart is shattered” as US authorities confirmed a body found in the Hudson River is her boyfriend Ian Jones.

The 22-year-old daughter of singer Annie Lennox shared photos of the pair in happier times on her Instagram, describing the photographer as the “love and light” in her life.

She wrote: “My heart is shattered. My best friend, my soul mate, my partner in crime & creativity, the love & light of my life is no longer with me.

“All the love that has been sent to me is giving me the strength to get through this. I know that he is so so happy that I was safely rescued.”

Lennox, whose father is record producer Uri Fruchtmann, continued: “I have eternal gratitude for experiencing a love from Ian that was so unbelievably deep & true. We truly lived. Let us honour & celebrate this exceptionally beautiful soul & keep following the light.”

The couple were kayaking on the Hudson River, north of New York City, when their vessel capsized on August 8. It is understood they managed to cling on to the kayak and stay together for up to 20 minutes but were then separated by the current.

Lennox, a model and artist, was rescued by a passing boat and a search was launched for Jones.

Dutchess County Sheriff's Captain John Watterson has said that a post-mortem examniation confirmed the body is that of 32-year-old Jones.

Watterson said the kayak overturned near historic Mills Mansion in Staatsburg, 75 miles north of New York City.

Police said the pair were not wearing life jackets and that strong currents in the Hudson River are thought to have played a role in the capsizing.

Jones's body was found near Poughkeepsie Yacht Club on August 10, and his death is considered an accidental drowning.