Lakes Region rallies around motorcycle crash survivor, victims' families

WEIRS BEACH — A head-on motorcycle crash on Endicott Street North last month has sparked community efforts to support survivors and the families of the victims.

Cameron Mosher, Jeanine Fereshetian, and Miles Collette died following the crash on Sept. 12. Michaella Biron, of Colebrook, was the sole survivor. An outpouring of love and support from the community has been prominent for her in her recovery.

Michelle Watson owns The Looney Bin Bar & Grill, located feet away from where the crash happened. The restaurant's annual charity pig roast, on Sept. 26, was originally intended to raise support for New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse, a women's crisis service in Laconia. Watson decided to pivot, and donate every penny of the funds from their raffles and silent auction, as well as a portion of all food sold, toward Biron’s recovery. Watson said it “felt right in my heart to do,” and the accident was weighing heavily on Looney Bin staff and the community.

“If it helps take one burden off her mind, that's huge. She’s going to deal with so much else mentally, that’s going to be a longer road, we just want to ease one little burden,” Watson said.

Watson said Sept. 26 was forecasted to have rain and high winds, and they set up patio heaters outside in preparation. It only rained for about 45 minutes, and the sun even came out.

Watson said those who could not attend the event reached out to buy T-shirts, or donate to Biron’s recovery directly.

“This weekend was a reminder our community is different from other communities, and it’s pretty fantastic,” Watson said. “It gave you that goosebumpy feeling of positivity, after so much sadness and negativity.”

The pig roast raised more than $7,000 for Biron's recovery.

An online fundraiser to support Biron has generated more than $50,000 as of Friday, or 85% of the way to the Biron family’s $60,000 goal.

“Funds raised will help with medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation, possible future living accommodation needs, and personal expenses, many of which are still unknown at this time. The Biron family is reaching out from the heart to ask for help in giving Michaella the best care and recovery possible,” according to the crowdfunding website.

To learn more, visit gofundme.com/f/support-michaella-birons-recovery.

There have also been community efforts for the families of the crash victims. Laconia Harley-Davidson, in Meredith, is hosting a ride to pay tribute to the life of Collette, of Gilford. Motorcycles will gather at Laconia Harley-Davidson on Saturday, Oct. 17, heading out at 11 a.m., and returning roughly an hour later to High Octane Saloon for food, drinks, music, and a celebration of Collette’s life.

All proceeds from registration go to the Collette family. Laconia Harley-Davidson will also be putting a free Riding Academy class for the 2027 season up for raffle, with proceeds benefiting the Collette family.

Sacoia Blackwell, social media and events coordinator at Laconia Harley-Davidson, was good friends with Collette.

“Miles was an absolute sweetheart, light to everybody. Everyone who knew him loved him, high energy, extremely supportive, sweet, kind, caring, super fun to be around,” Blackwell said.

A few of Collette’s friends reached out to her, Blackwell said, about holding the event. She then contacted Alicia Turner, operations manager at High Octane, to collaborate on holding a gathering following the ride.

Blackwell said donations are accepted also from non-riders.

Gauging interest from Facebook, Blackwell said they are seeing 100 to 200 people who plan to attend.

Blackwell said the event and people involved are not focused on mourning, but celebrating Collette's life, and raising funds for his family.

The following week, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, High Octane will host another event, this time to raise funds for Biron’s recovery through a corn hole tournament.

Participants will register from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and there will be a blind draw for partners. There will be a large raffle. Turner said they are still looking for donations from businesses and community groups in New Hampshire and into Massachusetts.

Turner said Biron’s and Mosher’s families banded together to organize the event. Mosher was Biron’s boyfriend. They originally wanted to hold a motorcycle ride, but as it was getting later into the season, they settled on a double elimination corn hole tournament.

Turner said every dime will go toward Biron’s recovery, and said “the community is endlessly helping for raffle ticket success.” Restaurants are donating gift cards, beauty shops are offering services, and people are putting together their own donation. Turner said a few people put together some coffee baskets to be raffled off.

Turner said the more people who show up, more funds are raised to go toward Biron’s long road to recovery.