Former mayor remains hospitalized as Frasers mourn death of family matriarch

MIAMI — Family members and friends are gathering in Florida, to say their goodbyes to Linnea Fraser, who died Friday, after she and her husband, former Laconia Mayor Mark Fraser, were hit by a car while crossing a Miami street on Halloween night.

The couple was crossing Biscayne Blvd in a marked crosswalk on Oct. 31, when they were hit by a vehicle, according to the Frasers’ daughter, Colleen Goetz, in an interview on Monday.

“They had returned to Florida for the winter, where they have a home near other people who also are from Laconia,” Goetz said. “They were in Miami, to attend a New England Patriots football game.”

Miami Fire Rescue responded to the accident, near 3050 Biscayne Blvd in the city's Midtown neighborhood, after receiving reports of pedestrians hit by a car. The Frasers were transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition, according to news reports in Miami, and Goetz.

Goetz said Miami Police are investigating the crash, and have identified the driver, but charges are pending a full investigation.

According to a family fundraising appeal, Linnea suffered extensive injuries, and was an organ donor. Both kidneys and liver were given to living recipients.

“That’s the kind of person she is,” Goetz said. “Even after her death, she was contributing to making life better for someone else.”

Goetz and her brother, Eric Fraser, have welcomed messages from friends and loved ones, which Goetz had been reading or playing for her mother until she died. Family members reported Linnea's heart rate increased when she heard the messages.

Mark is expected to survive, but faces a difficult recovery, according to Goetz, who said he remains unaware of his wife’s death. He suffered multiple injuries and has undergone several procedures, including spinal fusion surgery. As of Monday, he remained in critical condition in the hospital, and was on a ventilator.

The couple's family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

Goetz said friends are welcome to visit or call, although she has found many wish they could do more.

“They feel helpless for us,” Goetz said. “My parents have so many friends in Laconia. It’s best to leave a phone a message” at 603-393-4497. To see the fundraiser, visit gofund.me/dae9557f3. Funds help cover expenses for Eric and Colleen in Florida. Any money remaining will be donated to a charity meaningful to Mark and Linnea.