Supplied
Kathryn Fraser, a race walking judge, was killed when her e-scooter was hit by a van in Linwood, Christchurch last week. She is pictured here at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018.
A Christchurch woman killed in a crash between an e-scooter and a van was an international race walking judge who rode her scooter everywhere she could.
Kathryn Fraser, 57, died shortly after being struck by an orange van just before sunrise on Wednesday morning.
The Press understands Fraser was riding along Avonside Drive while the van was turning into Linwood Ave.
She was on a personal-owned scooter, rather than a hire scooter, and was wearing a helmet covered by a pink crochet beanie with purple flowers.
In her death notice, Fraser’s family gave their heartfelt thanks to those who assisted at the scene.
She was found in a critical condition but despite attempts to resuscitate her, she died a short time later.
Do you know more? Email [email protected]
Fraser was a popular member of the New Zealand Race walking community, having judged races at a regional, national and Oceania level.
In 2018 she was selected to be a judge at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
KAI SCHWOERER/Stuff
Fraser died after her e-scooter was hit by a van in Linwood last Wednesday.
“I’m one of only five New Zealand officiates who have been selected for athletics, out of a total of 180, so I’m very lucky … In a way it’s a reward for all the effort I’ve put in,” she said at the time.
Rozie Robinson is the Canterbury Race Walkers Association president and knew Fraser for more than a decade.
Robinson said she was known for being a fair, knowledgeable, well-loved and valued judge, who always gave very valuable feedback to athletes.
“She’s somebody you would want in your life,” Robinson reflected.
She said despite having retired from judging during the pandemic, Fraser would still attend local events to help out and give feedback to local athletes.
Fraser was also well known among the Australian race walking community.
“Her outgoing nature, happy go lucky and wonderful attitude was well respected by all of us… We are devastated as an Aussie bunch and will miss her so much,” fellow race walking judge Rosemary Coleman said.
Robinson said she knew her friend to be a safe scooter rider who was known for e-scootering everywhere she could.
