Jonathan Tanner, a family friend, said from the outside it looked like Yeats had everything going from him.
The Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union posted on social media, saying its thoughts and prayers went out to Yeats' family and friends.
"He had a good job, he was a very talented sportsperson and a lovely person but obviously he was suffering from some demons. Those demons got on top of him in the end."
Tanner said Yeats was a top athlete throughout school and won national titles in athletics. He was also a "very talented" rugby player, playing for Wairarapa Bush.
The Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union posted on social media, saying its thoughts and prayers went out to Yeats' family and friends.
"Finn was a rising star who played his way into the Wairarapa Bush Heartland team in 2018 and featured heavily in the semifinals and the finals of the Lochore Cup."
Tanner said the family was grateful for the support from the network of friends and the community who tried to find and reach out to Finn.
He said regardless of the devastating outcome, the family were appreciative of everything that everyone had done.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
