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Dad of Scot accused of murdering woman sends condolences to her family
Dad of Scot accused of murdering woman sends condolences to her family

Daily Record

time5 days ago

  • Daily Record

Dad of Scot accused of murdering woman sends condolences to her family

Kenny Rattray says he is "utterly devastated" and struggling to function since the tragic death of Dr Fortune Gomo on Saturday. The dad of a man accused of the murder of a scientist in Dundee has sent an emotional message of condolence to her family. Kenny Rattray says he is "utterly devastated" and struggling to function since the tragic death of Dr Fortune Gomo on Saturday. ‌ His 20-year-old son, Kyler Rattray, has been accused of murdering the 39-year-old University of Dundee scientist. ‌ Rattray made no plea and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody. A further court hearing will take place within the next eight days. Dr Gomo was found seriously injured on the city's South Road. Mercy crews fought to save her, but sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene. Now days later, Kyler's devastated dad, says he wants to speak out as he sent his condolences to Dr Gomo's family. ‌ Kenny said: 'I send my condolences to her family, her daughter, her close friends. 'I've just been praying every single hour that people could find the strength to get through this, whether they do or not, I just hope they've got some kind of support network, because it's absolutely horrendous. ' He added: 'I'm trying to get through the hours here. ‌ 'We've been left utterly devastated.' Originally from Zimbabwe, Dr Gomo worked for Scottish Water and graduated with a PhD in Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Dundee. A university spokesperson described her death as a 'truly shocking event'. ‌ This week we told how Dr Gomo's brother revealed his sister had been planning her big 40th celebrations in just a few weeks' time. Regis Nyantsanza spoke from Zimbabwe paying a loving tribute to his sister, the eldest of four siblings, describing her as the"deputy parent" of the family. ‌ Regis said: "Two weeks ago we were laughing about throwing her a big 40th birthday bash but she said she had achieved most of what she wanted. After all the struggle she had everything she wanted and so she was going to have a quiet celebration." Other heartfelt tributes have been paid to Fortune who lived locally and worked for Scottish Water. ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The scientist, who was originally from Zimbabwe, is understood to have obtained a PhD at University of Dundee in recent years. Scottish Water has said Fortune was an "exceptional" scientist and they are supporting her colleagues at this difficult time. ‌ Professor Simon Parsons, Director of Environment Planning and Assurance at Scottish Water, said: '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." ‌ The University of Dundee said: 'This has been a truly shocking event in our city and for our University community. "It will be particularly distressing for those who knew and worked with Fortune throughout her time as a PhD student and postdoctoral research assistant in Geography, and for all of those in our close-knit community of African colleagues and students. 'Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this tragic time.'

Family of mum who died in Dundee plan 'lasting tribute' as man charged with murder
Family of mum who died in Dundee plan 'lasting tribute' as man charged with murder

Daily Record

time5 days ago

  • Daily Record

Family of mum who died in Dundee plan 'lasting tribute' as man charged with murder

Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, died after being found seriously injured on a Dundee street on Saturday. The family of a tragic scientist have revealed plans for a 'lasting tribute' after a man was charged with her murder. Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, was found seriously injured on a Dundee street on Saturday. ‌ Paramedics attended the scene on South Road in the city at 4.25pm, but the mum passed away. ‌ Kyler Rattray, 20, from Dundee, has appeared in court charged with murder. The scientist, who was originally from Zimbabwe, is understood to have obtained a PhD at University of Dundee in recent years and worked for Scottish Water. A crowdfunder launched in her husband Richard's name to create a lasting tribute 'honouring her remarkable achievements' has raised almost £2,000 in a matter of hours. It said: '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.' ‌ The family said the fund would provide a 'communal space where everyone who admired Dr. Gomo can pay their respects'. The fundraiser said: '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." Scottish Water has said Fortune was an 'exceptional' scientist and they are supporting her colleagues at this difficult time. ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Floral tributes have been laid for Fortune at the scene of the tragedy, while the community is said to be in 'shock'. A fundraising night has been organised at Sandy's Bar on Sunday, July 13, to raise money for the young mum's family. Rattray was later charged and arrested in connection with Fortune's death and appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday charged with murder. He made no plea and was remanded in custody to appear again at court in the coming days.

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

STV News

time5 days ago

  • STV News

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

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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

Council leader says city is 'safe' after scientist 'murdered' on street
Council leader says city is 'safe' after scientist 'murdered' on street

STV News

time6 days ago

  • STV News

Council leader says city is 'safe' after scientist 'murdered' on street

The leader of Dundee Council believes the city is still 'safe' after a scientist was allegedly murdered in broad daylight. 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 pronounced dead at the scene. Council leader Mark Flynn says Dr Gomo's death has left him 'shocked and saddened'. He told STV News: 'Dundee has got such a strong community and to see something like this to happen, during the day especially, is something we don't normally see. 'I think that is where the shock comes from. The circumstances are just unbelievable.' Kyler Rattray appeared at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday charged with murder. The 20-year-old made no plea and was remanded in custody. The SNP council leader says it is 'important to recognise' that Dundee residents and the city remain safe. Flynn added: 'We've got to make sure the communities feel safe, where that be the African community or the city of Dundee and all the communities in the city of Dundee. 'I think it is important to make sure they recognise they are safe, Dundee is a safe city. I want to be clear because that is an important fact here. 'This was a very sad incident and I think it has really shocked everyone.' Sandy's Bar, which is located minutes away from the site of the attack, has organised a fundraising event in an effort to support the family of Dr Gomo. A total of 70 businesses have reached out to offer support in the form of cash and items to raffle off. Bar worker Denise Gow hopes they are able to ease the pressure felt by the family following the 'horrific' incident. She told STV News: 'The Facebook page has had loads of responses and the shares have been mental. 'You just want to take the pressure off the family after going through something like that. It is just horrific. 'It really shouldn't be happening any place. You don't want any family to go through that.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

Man charged as death of scientist in Dundee ‘being treated as murder'
Man charged as death of scientist in Dundee ‘being treated as murder'

The National

time07-07-2025

  • The National

Man charged as death of scientist in Dundee ‘being treated as murder'

Police Scotland on Sunday named the woman who had died as Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, who was a mother living in the area. THE death of a scientist in Dundee is being investigated as a murder and a 20-year-old man has been charged, police have confirmed. Officers were called to a report that a woman had been seriously injured in the city's South Road at around 4.25pm on Saturday. She was treated by paramedics but pronounced dead at the scene. READ MORE: Tony Blair's staff took part in 'Gaza Riviera' project, reports say 'A post-mortem has taken place and her death is now being treated as murder,' the force said on Sunday. 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.' Machonesa said she and Dr Gomo went their separate ways after their studies. Dr Gomo was an environmental and water resources scientist and her specialisms included water resources management, environmental sustainability, and policy. According to social media, she was employed by Scottish Water in water resources planning. She was awarded a PhD in Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Dundee. Her doctorate looked at the links between the environment and policy making in the Zambezi river basin, particularly in Malawi. Professor Nigel Seaton, University of Dundee's interim principal and vice-chancellor, said the death of the former research assistant 'is a truly shocking event in our city and for our university community', BBC News reported. He added: 'It 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.' A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man arrested is to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday. Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, the officer in charge of the inquiry, said his thoughts are with Dr Gomo's family. 'They are being supported by specialist officers and I would ask that their privacy is respected,' he said. Det Supt Sharp added: 'Our enquiries are continuing and I remain satisfied that the incident poses no wider risk to the public. 'At this early stage of the investigation we are following a number of lines of inquiry.' He said he is 'acutely aware of content circulating on social media' and urged members of the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the incident. There will be an increased police presence in the area. Witnesses and anyone with information on the incident have been asked to contact the force on 101 quoting incident number 2283 of July 5 2025. They can also speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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