Stephanie Scott's parents Robert and Merrilyn Scott arrive at Griffith Local Court, last month for the sentencing of their daughter’s killer Vincent Stanford.

The Facebook page dedicated to the slain bride-to-be tonight was bearing fresh tributes to her father Bob Scott, after the freak accident struck as he worked on the family’s farm at Canowindra in the state’s southwest.

The highly respected former teacher had been his family’s rock since their beloved daughter was murdered on Easter Sunday 2015, just a week before she was to marry her childhood sweetheart Aaron Leeson-Woolley.

Rob Scott, attending court as part of the trial of Marcus Stanford, the twin brother of murderer Vincent Stanford. Picture: Michael FrogleySource:News Corp Australia

Slain teacher Steph Scott.Source:Supplied

Just three weeks ago, the 59-year-old stood in Griffith court next to his wife Merrilyn as she read a victim’s impact statement about Stephanie before her killer, school cleaner Vincent Stanford, 25, was jailed for life.

The close-knit family, including Stephanie’s siblings Gordon, Robyn, Kim and Stuart, are now preparing for the unthinkable, another funeral.

Stephanie Scott's parents, Merrilyn Scott and Robert Scott. Picture: Michael FrogleySource:News Corp Australia

Police at Scott family farm where Robert was working at Canowindra in the state’s southwest when a tree he was felling hit him. Picture: TNVSource:Supplied

Emergency services arrive at the Scott property today. Picture TNVSource:Supplied

Friends and family tried their best to consol the family, with more than 250 comments flooding the Stephanie Scott tribute page as friends learnt of the tragedy.

Emily Rose Bermingham remembered Mr Scott as a “best friend” and mentor.

“First beautiful Steph, now you! I literally broke when I heard this horrific news. You will be missed, you were my school mentor, my year advisor, my teacher, a family friend and not to mention my best friend,” she wrote.

“I love you Mr Scott, your a great man! I’m gunna miss you so much! R.I.P beautiful man!”

“Cannot believe this. Robert Scott was a tower of strength and goodness ... How much grief can this family ­endure,” another friend posted.

“Robert, we will miss you with all our hearts forever. A beautiful man gone too soon. May you fly high with your beautiful daughter Stephanie.”

Police said the family were ­“besides themselves”.

Police said Mr Scott had been clearing trees on his property and emergency services were called to the Nanami Ln property about 12pm, after his body was found.

It has plunged the struggling Leeton community into fresh mourning as shocked friends were rallying around the family as they grappled with the latest terrible news.

Stephanie Scott was due to be married before she was attacked.Source:News Corp Australia

Childhood photos of murdered Leeton teacher, Stephanie Scott. Picture: FacebookSource:Facebook

“The family has suffered so much with the absolute tragedy that’s happened with Stephanie and now to have this,” Leeton shire mayor Paul Maytom said.

Stephanie Scott was brutally raped and murdered on Easter Sunday last year.Source:Supplied

Mr Scott was well loved throughout the community, retiring as head teacher of Canowindra High School at the end of 2014 after 15 years.

Former colleague Sarah Matthews said the news was “unbelievably sad”.

“Bob — as colleague you were a true gentleman who went out of his way to welcome & support a ­beginning teacher. Sixteen years later, I’ve never forgotten your kindness,” she posted on the page.

Ms Scott was a teacher at Leeton High School.Source:AAP

Vincent Stanford is taken from Griffith Court after being sentenced to life in prison. Picture: Michael FrogleySource:News Corp Australia

A post on The Leeton Community Noticeboard page said: “Very sad news for the Scott family, friends and relatives once again” before asking why the tree didn’t fall “on Vincent instead”. The dignity shown by Stephanie’s parents during her trial had moved the judge, Justice Robert Hulme, to describe them as an inspiration to the community.

Mrs Scott had spoken in court about how every day had become a challenge: “A sadness has permeated everything we do, and just existing is hard. The joy has gone.” On what should have been his daughter’s wedding day, it was Mr Scott who stood before the mourners and told them to remember her as the wonderful person she was, not the tragic way she was taken.

“Stephanie was a bubbly, bright, witty, intelligent fun-loving girl who has obviously impacted on many people here to today,” he said.

Related