3 days ago
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.
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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.'
