'Exceptional' science teacher, 34, named as suspected murder victim pulled from sea at Welsh beach packed with bank holiday families

By JAMES TOZER, NORTHERN CORRESPONDENT and ANDY DOLAN, GENERAL REPORTER and GLYN BELLIS Published: 11:25, 4 June 2026 | Updated: 11:29, 4 June 2026 A much-loved science teacher is at the centre of a murder investigation after being found unconscious at a beach packed with families enjoying a sunny bank holiday. Ruhul Amin Nana, 34, from Birmingham was pulled 'unresponsive' from the water at Barmouth in north Wales at about 3pm on May 25 by holidaymakers who desperately tried to resuscitate him as they waited for emergency crews. But while an air ambulance was dispatched, the 'exceptional' married teacher was tragically pronounced dead shortly afterwards. Police dramatically launched a murder investigation, with a 24-year-old man arrested and questioned before being released on bail. As a coroner was today told she had cause to suspect Mr Nana's death was 'unnatural', tributes were paid to the highly respected teacher, who worked at Broadway Academy in Birmingham. Local independent MP Ayoub Khan – whose eldest son was taught by Mr Nana – told the Daily Mail: ‘I am truly saddened by this tragic incident, which has caused profound grief within the community. ‘Ruhul Nana was a highly respected member of staff and an exceptional science teacher at The Broadway Academy, within my constituency of Birmingham Perry Barr. ‘Mr Nana was not only an outstanding educator, but also a deeply respected figure within the school community. Married science teacher Ruhul Amin Nana, 34, has been described as 'exceptional and 'passionate' after his tragic death at a packed Welsh beach on May 25 sparked a murder investigation ‘He made a lasting impact on so many young people through his dedication, kindness, and passion for teaching. ‘He will be remembered with great fondness by students, colleagues, and the wider community. ‘On a personal note, he also taught my eldest son, who spoke very highly of him and held him in great regard. ‘I had the opportunity to meet Mr Nana on several occasions, and I also know his father and brother. ‘They are an extremely humble and respected family. ‘This loss is felt profoundly, not only within the school but across the wider community, which has truly lost a role model and an asset.’ Mr Nana’s funeral on Tuesday was attended by ‘many hundreds of people, including students, staff, and members of the local community’, the MP added, saying it was ‘an indication of the deep respect and affection in which he was held’. ‘My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, family, friends, and everyone at The Broadway Academy during this incredibly difficult time,' Mr Khan said. File picture of Barmouth beach in Snowdonia where a man died in the sea on Monday, prompting police to launch a murder investigation Also paying tribute, Broadway School headteacher Rob Skelton said: ‘Mr Nana was a highly respected member of Broadway staff and an exceptional science teacher. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children and family. ‘We are working with the local mosques and bereavement counsellors to provide support for those that need it. ‘Ruhul’s wife says she appreciates everyone’s prayers at this sad time.’ According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Nana had taught at Broadway Academy since 2011 after studying for a degree in medical science. Today an inquest was opened at Caernarfon by north west Wales senior coroner Kate Robertson.  She said Mr Nana was confirmed dead at Barmouth lifeboat station by a paramedic after becoming 'unresponsive' in the sea. 'A post-mortem examination requires further investigations prior to a proposed cause of death being provided,' the coroner said.  'I have reasonable cause to suspect an unnatural death and therefore open this inquest.' Mr Nana was born in Gujarat and lived in the Aston area of Birmingham, the brief hearing was told.  A 24-year-old man from the Birmingham area was arrested on suspicion of murder before being released on bail. Following the bank holiday tragedy, eye witness Danielle Hanson posted on Facebook: ‘My partner was one of the ones who ran to help pull the man out the water and one of the ones to start CPR on the man after we heard a group of young adults shouting for help. Louise Newcombe posted: ‘My two sons and I ran over to help as I am a registered nurse. It was awful. ‘I am so sorry we did not get to you quicker. Our thoughts are with his family.” Visitor Christina Lawless posted on Facebook: ‘Seen him getting dragged out and people trying to resuscitate him. Was horrible to see, so sad.’ Appealing last week for witnesses or anyone who took photographs or videos on the beach to come forward, Detective Superintendent Chris Bell said: ‘I would like to thank all members of the public who assisted the man on the beach on Monday, and to everybody who has contacted us since. ‘We have received an overwhelming response from the public, which is incredibly helpful to our inquiries. ‘I am continuing to urge anybody who was at Barmouth beach on Monday and witnessed the incident, and hasn’t already spoken to police, to get in touch. ‘I am also re-appealing to anybody who was on the beach between 2pm and 4pm who took any photos and videos to send them to us as soon as possible. ‘We are interested in all photos or videos taken on any part of the beach during the afternoon. ‘Any image could be relevant to our investigation. ‘My thoughts remain with the man's family at this difficult time.’ With a vast stretch of sand, the Snowdonia seaside resort is a popular attraction, particularly on sunny bank holidays when it is popular with visitors from the West Midlands. The promenade offers traditional family entertainments such as donkey rides and amusement arcades. At low tide it is possible to walk across the bay to Harlech in the north, with breathtaking views of Cardigan Bay. But it has suffered drowning tragedies in recent years, including in May 2024 when 20-year-old Mohamad Alkadour – whose family had fled Syria to start a new life in Wales – was dragged out to sea. In August 2021 father of seven Jonathan Stevens, 36, from Telford, Shropshire, drowned while bravely trying to save two of his children who had got into difficulty on paddleboards. And in August 2016 schoolboys Yahye Omar Mohamed, 14, and Waseem Muflahi, 15, drowned while swimming in the sea during a trip to Barmouth from their homes in Birmingham. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.