
After a 6-year-old girl didn’t show up for school on January 20, 2025, people became concerned. Police went to her father’s home on Harburn Drive West in Calder, Scotland, that afternoon, and made a tragic discovery. Hope and her father, 36-year-old Mark Gordon, were both dead. Police did not disclose their causes of death but confirmed there was no threat to the public.
More from CafeMom: Man Makes Bizarre Social Media Post Minutes After Killing His Wife During Apparent Murder-Suicide
The Mirror reported that the father and daughter’s deaths currently remain unexplained as officials wait for autopsy results. Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks said during a media conference that Hope never arrived at school. After a concerned call to police, an investigation into her whereabouts began.
“When they were unable to gain entry to the property, assistance was provided from colleagues at the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to force entry, and tragically the bodies of an adult male aged 36, and a young female age six years of age, were discovered in the property,” Banks explained.
Gordon and Hope’s mother reportedly shared custody of the little girl. She had been staying with her father for a period of time when police discovered their bodies, Banks said.
He added that the investigation is in the earliest stages and requested the community not speculate on the cause of death.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said, “Our thoughts remain with the man and girl’s relatives at this extremely difficult time and they continue to be supported by specialist officers. They are understandably devastated and it is vital we get answers for them. At this time, we have no information to suggest anyone else is involved and our inquiries are continuing.”
Banks urged caution until the autopsies have been done. “I genuinely hope folk won’t throw wild speculation out there,” he said. “That really does not support the family who are devastated at this time. Let’s work on the facts and we will know the post-mortem facts very quickly.”
Chief Inspector Elaine McArthur-Kerr shared the sentiment. “We understand the significant impact this will have on the local community and I would like to thank everyone for their help so far. This incident is very upsetting and worrying for the people living in this community and we would ask anyone with any concerns to speak to us,” she said. “A police presence will remain in the area while we carry out investigations and anyone with any concerns, or information, can approach these officers.”