THE family of a University of Strathclyde student has spoken of their devastating loss after he tragically drowned during a visit to a popular tourist spot in Stirlingshire.
Emergency services recovered Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi's body from the Devil’s Pulpit at around 1:30pm on Wednesday, May 21.
Marwan, 21, who was studying data science and was set to graduate in 2027, had travelled to the gorge with a group of friends.
According to his family, he encountered difficulty crossing a deeper section of water and drowned before help could arrive.
One of his friends reportedly jumped in to try and save him, but was unsuccessful, barely escaping with his own life.
In an emotional tribute, Marwan’s family described him as “cheerful and intelligent” and someone who had left an “unforgettable impact” on their lives.
They said: “We don’t know how long it will take to learn how to live with this loss."
Tragically, Marwan was just days away from flying home to visit his family.
He said: "He called to tell me about his flight home, scheduled for May 26, 2025.
"He told his mother too, asking her to prepare his bed and excitedly spoke with her about Eid plans.
"Little did he know, may God have mercy on him, that the upcoming Eid would be without him, and that we would wait for his return in vain."
Marwan’s father said his son’s death was “an irreplaceable tragedy to all who knew him, and a pain beyond words for those who witnessed it".
His family proudly recalled Marwan's academic achievements, including ranking first in his class and seventh in the entire governorate during his final school year.
They said: “He excelled academically in mathematics and science, something rare in our family."
In the wake of the tragedy, the family is also raising serious concerns about safety at the Devil’s Pulpit, where they say a lack of barriers, signage, and clear warnings gave visitors a “false sense of safety".
They believe the water level in the gorge rose suddenly, trapping four other students during the incident.
While they screamed for help, two other group members, along with passers-by, rushed to alert emergency services.
According to the family, it took emergency responders approximately an hour to arrive, during which time the trapped students were left "clinging to life" in the fast-moving current.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, we received a report of a concern for a person at Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire, most commonly known as Devil’s Pulpit.
"Emergency services, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, a mountain rescue team, and the ambulance service attended, and the body of a man was recovered from the water at the 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."
