The devastated mother of a six-year-old girl, whose body was discovered alongside her father in a suspected murder-suicide, is said to be crushed by the tragic loss of her ‘happy and smiley’ daughter.
Hope Gordon was found dead on Monday at her father Mark Gordon’s home in West Calder, West Lothian, after a concern was raised when she failed to attend school.
Police Scotland later confirmed that Hope’s death is being treated as a murder investigation, though her father’s cause of death remains unexplained.
A close friend of the family, Melanie Wheeldon, spoke to about the immense grief and loss the family is now enduring.
‘It is the worst time of her life,’ Melanie shared, referring to Hope’s mother Megz, ‘she’s just really sad. Her world has ended because of this.’
Hope, who was a pupil at Toronto Primary School, was a ‘beautiful little girl’ with a passion for animals, especially her pet cat Roblox and dog Milo.
‘She was so loved and didn’t deserve any of this,’ Melanie said, ‘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.’
The tragedy happened when Hope, who usually lives with her mother, had gone to stay with her father Mark for the weekend.
There had been no indication that anything was amiss, making the discovery all the more shocking for her friends, family, and neighbours.
‘There was no indication that anything was wrong. It came completely out of the blue. We are all just really shocked,’ Melanie added.
Hope’s mother, who had shared custody of the child with Mark Gordon, is said to have had a ‘beautiful relationship’ with her daughter.
‘We are all just trying to be there for them as much as possible right now,’ Melanie said.
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.
‘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.’
The local community has been left in shock, with neighbours saying they cannot believe the young girl’s life has been so abruptly taken.
‘May Hope’s gentle soul rest in eternal peace,’ Melanie added.
Hope’s mother, who shared custody of her daughter with Mark Gordon, has been left devastated by the loss, with friends and family rallying around her to provide support during this unfathomably difficult time.
In the meantime, the local community remains united in grief as they remember a little girl whose radiant smile and loving nature touched everyone she met.
Fiona Linfoot, headteacher at Toronto Primary, paid tribute to Hope, describing her as a ‘much loved member of the Toronto Primary family.’
‘She was a bright, bubbly and affectionate girl who brought joy to everyone she met. We will really miss her infectious smile and kind heart.’
As detectives continue to make extensive inquiries, police have urged anyone with information to come forward, while the local community remains in shock.
Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry, leading the investigation, said: ‘The families are understandably devastated and we are providing them with support through specialist officers at this extremely difficult time.’
The investigation continues, with a forensic tent placed in the garden of the Harburn Drive property and police conducting door-to-door inquiries in the area.