Family of student who died at Devil's Pulpit say hearts have been 'shattered'
Marwan Saliaman Al Balushi's body was hauled out of the water near the Devil's Pulpit in Stirlingshire at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 21.
The family of a student who died at a Scots beauty spot after a horror drowning say their hearts have been "shattered".
Marwan Saliaman Al Balushi's body was hauled out of the water near the Devil's Pulpit in Stirlingshire at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 21.
The 21-year-old Strathclyde University student from Oman was enjoying a day out with friends when disaster struck.
It is understood that Marwan attempted to cross a deeper section of the current and drowned, STV news reports.
Mercy crews including mountain rescue teams, police, paramedics and fire service were called to the scene.
One friend tried to desperately save Marwan by jumping into the water to save him. Sadly despite their best efforts Marwan was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.
His family have now paid an emotional tribute to their "kind and intelligent" son. Heartbreakingly the tragedy unfolded just days before Marwan was set to travel home on Monday, May 26.
His parents said “Our son was full of life, love, and curiosity. He went on this trip with his friends in high spirits, excited to explore nature.
“We never imagined that this would be the last time we would hear his voice.
“Marwan was kind, intelligent, and brought light into every room he walked into.
“This loss has shattered our family. I pray no other parent ever has to feel this pain.”
Marwan was studying data science at the University of Strathclyde campus in Glasgow.
Dr Ainsley Miller, mathematics and statistics co-ordinator also paid a moving tribute to Marwan describing his as a "valued member" of the student community.
Dr Miller said: “As a student on the BSc Data Analytics programme, which combines mathematics, statistics and computer science, Marwan demonstrated strong academic ability, particularly in mathematics and coding, and engaged thoughtfully with his studies.
“I last met with him in February and since then he had completed all his Spring exams and was looking ahead with quiet optimism.
“Marwan was a valued member of our student community. His potential, his presence, and the warmth he brought to those around him will be deeply missed.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this profoundly difficult time.”
A Police Scotland statement read: “Around 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 we received a report of a concern for a person at Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire.
“Emergency services, including Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and a mountain rescue team, attended and the body of a man was recovered from the water at Devil’s Pulpit.
“He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”