A promising scientist, mother, and beloved friend to many has been tragically killed in Dundee, Scotland.
The heartbreaking incident has shocked the community, which now mourns a woman who had overcome challenges to achieve greatness.
Fortune Gomo, 39, a PhD graduate of Dundee University and an employee at a water supply company, was found fatally stabbed on the street on the afternoon of Saturday, July 5. Police confirmed she was pronounced dead at the scene around 4:25 p.m., according to Sky News.
Just days later, Kyler Rattray, 20, was arrested and charged with her murder, Police Scotland confirmed. He appeared in Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday, July 7, where he was remanded in custody.
He did not enter a plea.
“We are confident that nobody else was involved and there is no wider threat to the public,” said Scotland Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell in a public statement.
Police say they are increasing patrols in the area and have asked for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Gomo’s family is currently being supported by specialist officers.
A Life of Purpose Cut Short
Originally from Zimbabwe, Fortune Gomo carved a distinguished path in science and academia, completing her PhD at Dundee University and working in the utilities sector.
Friends and family describe her as a woman of intellect, warmth, and resilience.
Her brother, Regis Nyatsanza, told the BBC that Gomo had been planning a quiet 40th birthday celebration later this month.
“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,” he said. “After all the struggle, she had everything she wanted.”
Tributes Pour In
Angela Machonesa, a former schoolmate from Zimbabwe who studied alongside Gomo at Chinhoyi High School and the National University of Science and Technology, shared a moving tribute on Facebook:
“Her brilliance in the classroom was only matched by her emotional intelligence… 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.”
Machonesa continued:
“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 concluded with a heart-wrenching reminder of the personal toll:
“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.”
The Investigation Continues
While police say there is no ongoing threat to the public, they are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Additional patrols are being deployed to reassure the public in the wake of the tragedy. The motive for the killing remains unclear, and Rattray’s case will return to court at a later date.
