Heartbroken mum’s ‘world has ended’ after discovering six-year-old daughter lifeless with dad
Hope Gordon, six, was discovered dead in a house in West Calder, West Lothian, alongside her father Mark Gordon in what police believe was a murder-suicide
A heartbroken mum’s “world has ended” after her six-year-old daughter was found dead in a house.
Hope Gordon, described as a “happy and smiley” little girl, was discovered dead alongside her father Mark Gordon in what police suspect to be a murder-suicide. Melanie Wheeldon, a close family friend, said the child’s mother is now facing “the worst time of her life” as she mourns the tragic loss.
Concern was raised when Hope didn’t show up for school, prompting officers to rush to the property in West Calder, West Lothian, on Monday – where they found the father and daughter deceased.
Speaking on Friday, Melanie stated: “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, a student at Toronto Primary School which paid tribute to her this week, had gone to spend the weekend with her 36-year-old father. It is understood that he and Hope’s mother shared custody of the young girl, reports the Mirror.
There had been no suggestion that anything was wrong, making the discovery all the more shocking for her friends, family, and neighbours. 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.”
Those close to Hope describe her as an animal lover, who shared her home with her mum, a pet cat named Roblox, and a dog named Milo. Her mum is said to have had an incredibly close bond with Hope.
Melanie reflected on the loss, saying: “Hope’s life was tragically cut short, leaving a void in the hearts of her family and friends that can never be filled.”
To support the grieving family, a GoFundMe page has been set up to help with funeral expenses. “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, stated: “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.”
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