Heartbroken family pays tribute to ‘kind & intelligent' student, 21, who drowned at Scots beauty spot
The data science student had been on a trip with pals when tragedy struck
'DEEPLY SADDENED' Heartbroken family pays tribute to 'kind & intelligent' student, 21, who drowned at Scots beauty spot
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THE heartbroken family of a student who tragically drowned at a Scottish beauty spot has paid tribute to the "kind and intelligent" young man.
The 21-year-old, named locally as Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi, lost his life after encountering difficulties in the water at Finnich Glen, also known as the Devil's Pulpit, near Croftamie, Stirling.
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Tragedy struck at the devil's pulpit - also known as Finnich Glen
Credit: Alamy
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Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi lost her life when he ran into difficulties in the water
Credit: Facebook
Marwan had been visiting the popular site with friends during what his family described as a 'joyful and memorable' outing.
While attempting to cross a deeper section of the current, he tragically drowned.
His family revealed that some of his friends were also trapped in the gorge but 'narrowly survived' the ordeal.
Emergency services, including Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and mountain rescue teams, were dispatched to the scene at around 1.30pm on Wednesday, 21 May, following a report of concern for a person.
One of Marwan's friends bravely jumped into the water in an attempt to save him but was sadly unsuccessful.
A major recovery operation was launched, with water rescue units, police, and fire crews working together at the rural attraction.
Eventually, a man's body was recovered from the water.
Despite the efforts of medics, Marwan, who studied data science at Strathclyde University, could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
His shattered 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.
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'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.'
Dr Ainsley Miller, mathematics and statistics coordinator, said the university community was 'deeply saddened' by the death.
The teaching fellow 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.
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His shattered family have paid tribute to the "kind and intelligent" lad
Credit: Facebook
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Marwan was studying data science at Strathclyde University
Credit: Facebook
The A809 between Croftamie and Finnich Toll and the B834 at the junction to the A81 was closed in both for emergency services access.
The routes have since reopened.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 1.30pm on Wednesday, 21 May, 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."
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