OPINION: Death of Stephanie Scott's father another blow

THREE weeks ago I took this photo of slain teacher Stephanie Scott’s mother and father, Robert and Merrilyn Scott.

Merrilyn and Bob Scott, parents of Stephanie Scott, deliver a statement after their daughter's killer is sentences to life in prison. Picture: Alexia Purcell

THREE weeks ago I took this photo of slain teacher Stephanie Scott's mother and father, Robert and Merrilyn Scott outside the Griffith Courthouse following the sentencing of Stephanie's killer Vincent Stanford.

Merrilyn spoke about how so much had been taken from them and their need to fade from public view to mourn their "beautiful girl" and work their way through their grief.

"Stephanie would want us to resume our lives. We need to be kind to ourselves and let the music and fun back in," Merrilyn said on October 13.

They asked the nation to have a "cup of tea and a Mint Slice biscuit" at 3pm the following day to celebrate what should have been Stephanie's 28th birthday.

Now the Scott family has been dealt another tragic blow.

Stephanie's father Bob was killed by a falling tree on a property near Canowindra this week.

It is believed he was clearing trees on the farm when the freak accident happened on Tuesday.

Following the news of his death, there has been an outpouring of grief for Merrilyn and her family on social media.

My heart goes out to them.

Alexia Purcell is APN Australian Regional Media's social media editor.

Connect with Alexia on Twitter or on Facebook.

Originally published as OPINION: Death of Stephanie Scott's father another blow