The youngest victim was a “very cute little girl” who used to come to fitness sessions with her mum, a friend said today.
Sophie Martyn, three, was pushing a toy pram with 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 Sunday Mirror: “Lee made the ultimate sacrifice. It brings a lump to my throat talking about it.
“As a friend and neighbour, we have real sympathy for them.”
“You can see from photos how much of a strong, lovely family they were.”
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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, and turned into a lovely little toddler.
“Someone else who used to train at the same gym as Becky told me they would see Sophie toddling around there too.”
Sophie and Lee, 43 - were rushed to Derriford hospital, where Becky works.
Maniac Davison shot his own mother Maxine, 51, before taking fire at the father and daughter.
Today a friend said of Maxine: “She was a wonderful woman who never gave up.”
He then shot passerby Stephen Washington, 59, who was walking his two huskies, before gunning down Kate Shepherd, 66, outside a nearby salon.
Maxine’s bereft son Josh Davison, 28, shared a photo of he and his mum today.
The mother-of-three - also known as Maxine Chapman - was reportedly in recovery 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. He added: “Each and every one of us will miss him deeply.”
Sarah Bowden, who regularly served Mr Washington at RPB car garage, said: “He was a very nice man, quiet but would always have a chat when he was waiting for his car to be MOT’d or repaired,” she said. “He loved his dog and tinkering with cars.”
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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 today.
She called the horror “tragic beyond words.”
Two survivors, Michelle Parsonage and her son Ben, are expected to make a full recovery after Davison shot them, her other son Jordan has confirmed.
He shared a Facebook update thanking people for their support, telling how his mother will have to have an operation on her arm.
A minute’s silence in memory of the victims will take place on Monday.
