‘Very cute girl’ with floppy hair
THE youngest victim was a “very cute little girl” who used to come to fitness sessions with her mum, a friend said yesterday.
Sophie Martyn, three, was pushing a toy pram with adopted dad Lee, who tried to shield her when Jake Davison struck.
Family friend Dan Sobey, who co-runs a fitness business, recalled how the tot’s mum Becky brought her to his class when she was just six months old.
Dan, 40, told the People: “Lee made the ultimate sacrifice. It brings a lump to my throat talking about it.
“You can see from photos how much of a strong, lovely family they were.”
He said NHS nurse Becky, 42, “used to speak about how happy Sophie made her”.
Dan added: “She was a very cute little girl, with floppy red hair.”
Sophie and Lee, 43 - were rushed to Derriford Hospital, where Becky works.
Maniac Davison shot his mother Maxine, 51, before firing at the father and daughter.
Bereft
Yesterday a pal said of Maxine: “She was a wonderful woman who never gave up.”
Davison then shot passer-by Stephen Washington, 59, who was walking his two huskies, before gunning down Kate Shepherd, 66, outside a nearby salon.
Maxine’s son Josh Davison, 28, yesterday shared a photo of them together.
The mum of three, also known as Maxine Chapman, was reportedly recovering from cancer. A family pal said she was a “lovely, lovely person”, adding: “She never had a bad word to say about anyone and would always try to help you out if you needed it.”
Mr Washington’s widow has “lost her world”, their son Simon said.
Home Secretary Priti Patel paid her respects to the victims by placing a floral tribute at North Down Crescent Park, near to the scene of the mass killing yesterday. She called it “tragic beyond words.”
Two survivors, Michelle Parsonage and her son Ben, are expected to make a full recovery, Michelle’s other son Jordan has confirmed. He shared a Facebook update thanking people for their support, saying his mother will need an operation on her arm.
A minute’s silence in memory of the victims will take place tomorrow.