Remembering Dr Fortune Gomo

A version of this statement was sent to staff and students of the University by Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Seaton on Sunday 6 July 2025 after news emerged of the attack on Dr Gomo.

We have been left shocked by the news that one of our alumni, Dr Fortune Gomo, has died following an incident in Dundee on Saturday 5 July, 2025.

Fortune, from Zimbabwe, was a PhD student and then postdoctoral research assistant in Geography until February 2022. She had recently joined Scottish Water as a Senior Service Planner in Water Resource Planning and was thriving in her career.

Her death, following an alleged attack in South Road, Dundee, is a truly shocking event in our city and for our University community.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this time.

Local police are investigating the incident and have confirmed a 20-year-old man has been arrested. The officer in charge of the investigation was reported as saying the incident had been contained and there is no wider risk to the public.

This tragic event will be particularly distressing for those who knew and worked with Fortune throughout her time here at the University, and for all of those in our close-knit community of African colleagues and students.

Our city is one where all are welcome and that we are fortunate to live and work in a place where we are generally safe. Terrible incidents such as the death of Fortune Gomo may shake that faith, and put fear into our community.

We are determined to continue to work together with everyone in our community to make Dundee a safe and welcoming place for everyone.