Brother of scientist who died in Dundee 'street attack' left devastated
The grieving brother of a scientist who died following an incident in Dundee has been left in shock after learning of her death.
Dr Fortune Gomo, 39, originally from Mutare in eastern Zimbabwe, was found seriously injured on South Road in the city at around 4.25pm on Saturday. Ambulance crews rushed to the scene but she sadly passed away. The mum, who lived locally and worked for Scottish Water, is understood to have obtained a PhD at University of Dundee in recent years.
Her brother Regis Nyatsanza said she would have turned 40 in a few weeks' time and they had recently been discussing how she might celebrate. Speaking from Zimbabwe, he told BBC News his sister was the eldest of four siblings, describing her as the "deputy parent" of the family.
Regis said: "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. After all the struggle she had everything she wanted and so she was going to have a quiet celebration."
A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death and he is due to appear at Dundee Sheriff Court on Monday. Meanwhile, heartfelt tributes have been paid to Fortune, with Scottish Water saying she was an "exceptional" scientist.
Professor Simon Parsons, Director of Environment Planning and Assurance at Scottish Water, said: 'Everyone at Scottish Water, where Dr Fortune Gomo worked, is shocked and saddened by her death and we send our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
' Fortune was an exceptional scientist and a senior service planner in our Water Resources Planning section based in Dundee where, having joined us in February, she had already become a highly valued and respected member of our team. We are supporting her colleagues at Scottish Water following this incident."
The University of Dundee said: 'This has been a truly shocking event in our city and for our University community. It will be particularly distressing for those who knew and worked with Fortune throughout her time as a PhD student and postdoctoral research assistant in Geography, and for all of those in our close-knit community of African colleagues and students. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this tragic time.'
A former classmate described her as a "brilliant" peer who "listened and cared". Angela Machonesa said: "A brilliant light from Zimbabwe, one of our own. Dr. Fortune Gomo was taken from us in the most horrific way imaginable.
" Fortune glowed differently. She had this calm, poised maturity that set her apart. While others chased noise and trends, Fortune was building. Her life was a carefully painted canvas, every stroke purposeful. She knew who she was becoming even then. A doctor. A scholar. A woman of substance.
"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. Fortune had a rare, quiet strength that didn't shout for attention—but earned your respect and admiration instantly."
Floral tributes have been laid for Fortune on South road by a community that is said to be in "shock". Dundee has rallied together though and a fundraising night at Sandy's Bar on Sunday, July 13, will take place to raise money for the young mum's family.
Police said on Sunday that they were following a number of lines of inquiry following the death.
Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp, the officer in charge of the inquiry, said: 'Firstly, my thoughts remain with Fortune's family at this incredibly sad time. They are being supported by specialist officers and I would ask that their privacy is respected. Our enquiries are continuing and I remain satisfied that the incident poses no wider risk to the public.
"At this early stage of the investigation we are following a number of lines of inquiry. I am also acutely aware of content circulating on social media and would urge the public not to speculate about the circumstances of the incident. The public will notice a visibly increased police presence in the area and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to speak with our officers.
'I continue to appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the incident or has information that may assist us to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident number 2283 of 5 July 2025. Information can also be given to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
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