Heartbroken family of Scot who fell from New Zealand bridge on New Year's Day pay tribute

13.01.2023 - 08:03 / dailyrecord.co.uk

A community will gather to pay an emotional tribute to a “loved” scots dad who tragically died after falling off a bridge in New Zealand on Christmas Day. Duncan Gordon, 39, from Dunkeld, fell backwards from the bridge in Dunedin at around 8pm following a social gathering with friends.

Police officers and paramedics raced to save the dad-of-two but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Speaking to the Perthshire Advertiser, sister Sarah Marr said she and her family were in “shock” over the sudden death of an eldest brother she glowingly described as a “gentle giant”.

“It all still feels a bit surreal,” she added. "He was a big character and a larger than life personality. He was a gentle giant as he was about 6’4.

“He commanded a room with the nicest energy and was a typical big brother. He could be a pain in the butt but was really protective of us all.

“He was a great guy and everybody loved him.”

A St Johnstone fan, Duncan attended Murthly Primary School and then the Royal School of Dunkeld, before later studying at Breadalbane Academy in Aberfeldy. Duncan’s parents and four siblings, Sarah, Colin, Fiona and Catriona, still live in Scotland.

The painter and decorator settled in New Zealand 15 years ago having gone travelling there. It was there he met his partner Hinewai and they had his two boys Ossian and Kahu, settling into life in Dunedin.

A traditional Maori memorial service was held in New Zealand on January 3 for Duncan. “The service in New Zealand was a traditional Maori funeral and was very relaxed and informal,” Sarah explained.

"People write messages on the casket before it is cremated and anyone can come up and say a few words about Duncan’s life. He would have loved it.”

Those in Scotland wanting to pay their