Dad and young daughter found dead after she misses school, police reveal heartbreaking details
Tragic discovery leaves community in shock as investigators uncover more about the family’s final moments.
When six-year-old Hope Gordon didn’t arrive at school on January 20, 2025, it sparked concern that tragically led to a devastating discovery. Police found her and her father, 36-year-old Mark Gordon, dead at his home in West Calder, Scotland.
The tragedy has gripped the nation as investigators work to uncover what happened to the young girl and her father.
A missing school day ends in tragedy
Hope was a student at Toronto Primary School in Livingston, where her absence on Monday morning quickly raised alarm. Staff and family grew concerned when she failed to show up, leading to a call to the police.
With the help of fire crews, police entered her father’s home in West Calder, where they found the bodies of Mark and Hope. Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks of Police Scotland confirmed the heartbreaking discovery, saying:
“Police Scotland responded to what we class as a ‘concern for’ call on Monday, January 20. That call related to concern from a family member around their child failing to attend school.”
Hope had been staying with her father as part of a shared custody arrangement with her mother.
A community in mourning
The discovery has devastated Hope’s school and local community. Fiona Linfoot, headteacher of Toronto Primary School, described Hope as “a bright, bubbly, and affectionate girl” who made a lasting impact on everyone she met.
“Hope was a much-loved member of the Toronto Primary family and will be hugely missed by her friends, teachers, and the entire school community. She brought joy to everyone she met, and we will really miss her infectious smile and kind heart,” Linfoot shared in a statement.
Specialist officers have been made available to support grieving students, staff, and family members.
Hope’s death now treated as murder
In a significant update, Police Scotland announced that Hope’s death is now being treated as murder. However, the cause of Mark Gordon’s death remains unexplained and is pending the results of a post-mortem examination.
Superintendent Grant Hendry from Police Scotland’s major investigations 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.”
He added: “Our team of officers continues to carry out inquiries to get answers for the families, and at this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved.”
Police appeal for information
Investigators have urged anyone with information about the case to come forward, no matter how small it may seem. Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks emphasized the importance of community cooperation, stating:
“This is a shocking and deeply upsetting incident for the families involved, and the impact is felt right across the local community. Every piece of information could help us provide answers for those who are mourning.”
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hope and her father. However, one thing is clear: Hope’s bright spirit left an indelible mark on those who knew her.
Her headteacher’s words resonate with everyone affected by this tragedy: “Hope was a much-loved member of our community, and her infectious smile and kind heart will never be forgotten.”
If you have any information, please contact Police Scotland or report anonymously through Crimestoppers. Even the smallest detail could help bring closure to the grieving families.
