Family fundraising for memorial and tribute to scientist 'murdered' on street

STV News

6 days ago

The family of a 'beloved' scientist who was allegedly murdered in Dundee have launched a fundraiser to cover her funeral and create a lasting tribute in her name.
Police were called to the city's South Road around 4.25pm on Saturday after a 39-year-old woman was seriously injured.
Dr Fortune Gomo was treated by paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene.
Kyler Rattray appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday, charged with one count of murder. The 20-year-old made no plea and was remanded in custody. STV News Police were called to South Road in Dundee on Saturday.
He is due to reappear in court within eight days.
The 39-year-old's family described her as a 'beloved' mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, colleague, and neighbour.
Dr Gomo is survived by her husband, Richard, and their young daughter.
The fundraiser is not said to be a call for charity but a communal space where everyone who admired Dr Gomo can pay their respects.
Money raised will be used to support the family for funeral arrangements.
Sandy's Bar, located minutes away from the site of the attack, has also organised a fundraising event to support Dr Gomo's family.
A post read: 'It is with heavy hearts that our family, alongside organisations and businesses across Dundee, shares the news of the sudden and tragic passing of Dr Fortune Gomo.
'A dedicated scientist at Scottish Water, Dr Gomo devoted her life to improving access to clean, sustainable water for communities throughout Scotland and beyond.
'Her expertise and unwavering commitment ensured that countless families could rely on safe, vital resources every day.
'Dr Gomo was a beloved mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, colleague, and neighbour. Her warmth, kindness, and quiet strength touched everyone she met.
'She leaves behind her husband, Richard, and their young daughter, who will carry forward her loving spirit and example of service.
'The family is deeply grateful for the Zimbabwean government's assistance and the full cooperation of our local authorities.
'This fund isn't a call for charity but a communal space where everyone who admired Dr Gomo can pay their respects.
'Your support will help cover memorial arrangements and establish a lasting tribute in her name, honouring her remarkable achievements and the positive impact she made on so many lives.
'Thank you for standing with us during this time.
'May Dr Gomo's legacy continue to inspire unity, resilience, and compassion in our community.' Watch
'It's sad because she just finished her PhD'
Chief superintendent Nicola Russell, Dundee's local police commander, said the death had caused 'shock' in the city.
She said police are confident that nobody else was involved in the alleged attack.
Chief superintendent Russell also said officers were aware of misinformation being shared on social media and urged the public not to speculate on the circumstances.
She asked that nothing be posted that could compromise a court case and bring 'further distress' to Dr Gomo's family.
Chief superintendent Russell said: 'Police Scotland is committed to having safer communities and senior officers have met with representatives from the local community to provide reassurance and support during this incredibly difficult time.
'Fortune's family and friends, who are being supported by specialist officers, are very much in our thoughts today, as is the wider community.
'A 20-year-old man was arrested shortly after this incident and has been charged in connection with Fortune's death. He appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday and has been remanded in custody.
'Given that legal proceedings are now under way I am very limited in what I can say regarding the circumstances surrounding this incident, particularly any motive.
'Our enquiries are continuing and we are confident that nobody else was involved and there is no wider threat to the public.
'Working with partners to tackle violence and make Scotland's communities safe for all women and girls is a priority for Police Scotland.
'We have increased our patrols in the area so you will see more officers out on the streets of Dundee. I would encourage anyone with any concerns at all to speak with those officers.
'I would also like to ask anyone who was in the South Road area of Dundee around 4.25pm on Saturday and who may have information to please come forward.
'You can contact us by calling 101, quoting incident number 2283 of July 5 2025.
'Information can also be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
Dr Gomo was an environmental and water resources scientist and PhD graduate of the University of Dundee.
The university's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nigel Seaton, said: 'We have been left shocked by the news that one of our alumni, Dr Fortune Gomo, has died following an incident in Dundee on Saturday.
'Fortune, from Zimbabwe, was a PhD student and then a postdoctoral research assistant in Geography until February 2022.
'She had recently joined Scottish Water as a senior service planner in Water Resource Planning and was thriving in her career.
'Her death, following an alleged attack in South Road, Dundee, is a truly shocking event in our city and for our University community.
'Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this time.
'This tragic event will be particularly distressing for those who knew and worked with Fortune throughout her time here at the University, and for all of those in our close-knit community of African colleagues and students.
'Our city is one where all are welcome and that we are fortunate to live and work in a place where we are generally safe.
'Terrible incidents such as the death of Fortune Gomo may shake that faith, and put fear into our community.
'The community reaction in our city is one of horror at this event, not least because it is so shocking in a city where we have done so much to welcome people from around the world. For the vast majority of Dundonians, this is not what our city is, nor what it should be.
'We are determined to continue to work together with everyone in our community to make Dundee a safe and welcoming place for everyone.'
Professor Simon Parsons, director of Environment Planning and Assurance at Scottish Water, added: 'Everyone at Scottish Water, where Dr Fortune Gomo worked, is shocked and saddened by her death, and we send our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
'Fortune was an exceptional scientist and a senior service planner in our Water Resources Planning section based in Dundee, where, having joined us in February, she had already become a highly valued and respected member of our team.
'We are supporting her colleagues at Scottish Water following this incident.'
Dr Gomo's high school and university friend said her 'brilliance in the classroom was only matched by her emotional intelligence'.
Angela Machonesa studied with Dr Gomo at Chinhoyi High School and the National University of Science and Technology, which are both in Zimbabwe, south-east Africa.
In a social media post, she said: 'She was the kind of person you'd go to when you needed clarity, not just of mind, but of heart. She listened. She cared. She uplifted.
'No wonder she went on to earn her PhD. It was only natural. Her path was written in the stars long ago. To serve. To lead. To heal. And she was doing just that.
'But now, that dream, our Fortune's dream, has been violently, senselessly, stolen from us all.
She added: 'A child will now grow up without the love and presence of a mother. A family will mourn a daughter who once lit up their home with hope and promise.'
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