**Family ‘in shock’ after scientist killed in Dundee**
The heart-wrenching tragedy of Dr. Fortune Gomo’s untimely death has left her family and friends grappling with sorrow and disbelief. Just a weekend ago, the beloved scientist was fatally injured in a street incident in Dundee—a shocking event that has resonated deeply within the community. Dr. Gomo, known for her dedication to science and her recent work with Scottish Water, was an Ecuadorian national originally hailing from Zimbabwe.
On Saturday afternoon, Dr. Gomo was involved in an incident on South Road in Dundee’s Lochee area, an event that has prompted police to treat the case as a murder investigation. Emergency responders were dispatched, but despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter, leaving her family reeling in shock.
Her brother, Regis Nyatsanza, shared with BBC News the devastating news of her passing and recalled how just weeks ago, they had excitedly discussed plans for her upcoming 40th birthday. Dr. Gomo was not only celebrated for her academic achievements but also recognized for being a cornerstone of her family—the eldest of four siblings—as Regis described her as the “deputy parent” who had played a nurturing role in their lives.
Regis explained that a couple of weeks ago, they were jubilantly talking about her potential birthday celebrations, but Dr. Gomo expressed contentment with her accomplishments and opted for a quieter reflection on her milestone. She had recently begun working at Scottish Water after completing a remarkable PhD in geography and environmental science at the University of Dundee in 2022.
The police have made an arrest in connection with Dr. Gomo’s death—a 20-year-old man who is now scheduled to appear in Dundee Sheriff Court. Authorities have confirmed that inquiries are ongoing, with reassurance from Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp that there is no broader risk to the public stemming from the incident.
As the community mourns, flowers are being laid at the site of the tragedy, with heartfelt messages that convey the collective sadness and disbelief felt by many. A friend of Dr. Gomo, Angela Machonesa, expressed her devastation on social media, reflecting on the profound impact Dr. Gomo had on those around her. Angela’s tribute captured the essence of the woman away from her scientific accolades: a person of great emotional intelligence and support, someone to turn to in times of need.
Communal grief is palpable as collections have begun in Dundee to assist Dr. Gomo’s family during this difficult time, highlighting her positive influence and the deep connections she forged with her colleagues and friends. Messages attached to floral tributes echo sentiments of loss and memory, each expressing a desire for her legacy to be honored and remembered.
Dr. Gomo’s professional journey took her from her home country of Zimbabwe to the Netherlands and eventually to the UK, where she made significant strides in water-related research over a span of a decade. Recently, she had taken on a key role as a senior resource planner at Scottish Water, where her contributions were widely recognized and valued.
Simon Parsons, the director of environment planning at Scottish Water, articulated the company’s condolences, stating that Dr. Gomo was an exceptional scientist whose presence in the workplace would be sorely missed.
In this time of tragedy, police have extended their support to Dr. Gomo’s family through specialized officers, while calls for public assistance are made for anyone with information about the case to step forward. The nutrients of compassion and community care are at the forefront as Dundee members come together, united in mourning and determined to honor the life of Dr. Fortune Gomo—an exceptional scientist and cherished friend.
