A mum’s “world has ended” after her six-year-old daughter was found dead at a property in West Calder. Hope Gordon was described as a “happy and smiley” little girl, following her tragic death alongside dad Mark Gordon in what police believe was a murder-suicide, reports the Mirror.
Concern was raised when Hope failed to attend school, leading officers to rush to the West Lothian property on Monday, January 20, where they discovered the father and daughter dead. Close friend of the family, Melanie Wheeldon, said heartbroken mum Margaret now faces “the worst time of her life” as she grieves.
Melanie said: “It is the worst time of her life. She’s just really sad. Her world has ended because of this… She (Hope) was so loved and didn’t deserve any of this. She was really well liked by everybody. She was out playing and building snowmen just two weeks ago, just a normal little kid, who didn’t deserve this.”
Hope had gone to stay with her dad, 36, for the weekend after a regular week attending Toronto Primary School, who also paid tribute to the pupil. Mark and Hope’s mum had shared custody of the youngster, it is understood.
There had been no suggestion anything was amiss, making the discovery all the more shocking for the child’s loved ones. Melanie told Mail Online: “There was no indication that anything was wrong. It came completely out of the blue. We are all just really shocked.”
Friends say the six-year-old loved animals and had a pet cat called Roblox and a dog Milo at the house she shared with her mum. The grieving parent is said to have had a “beautiful relationship” with her daughter.
Reflecting on the loss, Melanie said: “Hope’s life was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and friends that can never be filled.”
In an effort to help the grieving family, a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses has been set up. It said: “Every contribution, no matter how small, will be deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser link with your friends and family to help spread the word.”
Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Hope’s family and friends, along with everyone affected by this tragedy. The families are understandably devastated and we are providing them with support through specialist officers at this extremely difficult time.
“Our team of officers continue to carry out enquiries to get answers for the families and at this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved. I would ask that anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, gets in touch with the police.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond.Sign up to our daily newsletter.