Michael Lewis, 23, was on holiday with friends at the time. He was ‘randomly’ attacked in the island’s capital Santa Cruz on Tuesday. Mr Lewis died from head injuries two days later.
A man is being held for assault, according to the Daily Post.
Michael, from Rhyl, Wales, was “attacked randomly in the street when he went to get some food”, according to his auntie Karen Hughes.
She told The Rhyl Journal: “Michael was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and now has been taken away from his family.
“He didn’t have a bad bone in his body, he was always the person to step back and walk away.
READ MORE: BBC Weather Europe: Colossal thunderstorms to ravage tourist hotspots
“There’s nothing bad to say about him, he was the life and soul of the party and was so funny. It’s a total waste of a life.”
Ms Hughes added: “Michael still has to be repatriated which funeral directors on that end are sorting out. Once we know more we will notify his friends when and where the funeral will be.”
Mr Lewis’ parents Julie Lewis and Patrick Boland have since flown to the island.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: “Our staff are supporting the family of a British man following his death in Tenerife, and we are speaking with the Spainish Police.”
Tributes have been paid via social media following Michael’s death at the University Hospital Nuestra Señora de at La Candelaria hospital on Thursday.
One of his friends has since said: “Being with your on this holiday has been a privilege, being your friend means more, we will truly muss you mate and we will get justice for you.
“Sleep tight Brillo mate.”
Another wrote: “You were always polite and respectful. I’m so gutted to be writing this.”