Family 'heartbroken' after student, 21, drowns at Devil's Pulpit

A family say their hearts have been “shattered” after a student from Oman drowned at a beauty spot near Stirling.

Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi’s body was recovered from the water near the Devil’s Pulpit at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, May 21.

The 21-year-old student was visiting the popular spot with friends on what his family say should have been a “joyful and memorable” outing.

Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi from Oman pictured at the Devil's Pulpit (left) and at Balloch (right). — Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi from Oman pictured at the Devil’s Pulpit (left) and at Balloch (right). Supplied

However, emergency services including police, fire crews and mountain rescue were called to the scene after he got into difficulty in the water.

Marwan tried to cross a deeper section of the current and drowned.

His family say some of his friends were also trapped in a gorge and “narrowly survived”.

One friend jumped into the water to try and save Marwan, but was unsuccessful. Marwan was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.

His family described him as “kind and intelligent”. He had been due to visit home on Monday, May 26.

Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi died at the devil's pulpit — Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi died at the devil’s pulpit Al Balushi Family

His parents told STV News: “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.

Dr Ainsley Miller, mathematics and statistics co-ordinator, said the community was “deeply saddened” by the death.

“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,” Dr Miller said.

“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.”