New Dundee signing Kane Hemmings admits everything has been put into perspective for him following the death of a close friend’s mother in the Tunisian terrorist tragedy.
Hemmings’ pal Conor Fulford launched a social media search for his mum Sue Davey who had been staying at the Imperial Hotel in Sousse after news of the beach massacre broke.
The Dark Blues player also took to his own Twitter account to appeal for help in tracking her down.
However, it was later confirmed that Susan and her partner were among the victims of the gunman and Hemmings admits he is absolutely devastated for his friend and his family.
He said: “My best friend’s mum, unfortunately, has passed away.
“A couple of people texted me and asked if I had heard what had happened to Conor.
“I looked on Twitter and he was searching for his mum. I tried to do as much as I could at the time.
“I am very close to Conor and it is devastating for him and his family. It is just horrific and no words can describe what he is going through.
“He has been on television and put a brave face on it but he will be dying inside because he has lost his mum.
“She was a lovely woman and I am devastated for him. It puts everything into perspective.
“You need to tell people you love them because you never know when it is going to be the last time.
“His mum messaged him that morning to say she was going to the beach and he was over in Boston coaching. He has had to fly back and he has two sisters and one of them has two little girls so it is heartbreaking.”
Hemmings is a player who has been on Dundee boss Paul Hartley’s radar for a while.
The former Cowdenbeath striker was linked with a move to Dens last season however he ultimately opted to move to English League Two outfit Barnsley.
Hartley though refused to give up on the player and when the 22-year-old found his chances limited with the Tykes, he came back a second time and persuaded him to sign with the Dark Blues.
Hemmings added: “The manager was interested in me the season before and it got to a point at Barnsley where I wasn’t really playing that much. He got in touch with me and asked if I would be willing to come here.
“The manager must have some liking for me and that was a massive part in me coming here. He has told me if I come in and work hard that I will play games.”
There will be at least one familiar face for Hemmings in the Dundee dressing-room his former Blue Brazil strike partner Greg Stewart.
Hemmings said: “Greg has done fantastically well and that is credit to him. Since the first day I went in at Cowdenbeath, he had something about him and I always knew he could play at a high level.
“He came here last year and he got his rewards. He was unlucky he didn’t win the player of the year award although it is a great achievement in itself that he was in the running.
“I am looking forward to linking up with Greg and all the good players we have.”