Firework send-off for son’s ashes
The mother of teenager Robert Fraser, who died of an unintentional drug overdose, says a firework spectacle containing his ashes was the perfect send-off for her son.
About 100 people gathered on Deal beach on Sunday evening to bid the keen skateboarder a final farewell ahead of what would have been his 19th birthday this week.
The event had been organised by his mother Michelle Fraser, who felt scattering his ashes in any other way did not seem fit.
She said: “He was so full of life, it seemed appropriate to celebrate him in this way. I didn’t want to hide him away.”
Seven rockets containing the 18-year-old’s ashes were made by Universal Fireworks in Hythe, who also let off the display with approval from Dover District Council. Robert’s friends had raised £500 between them to cover the cost.
Robert, a former Castle Community College pupil, died on November 2016, after an unintentional overdose of fentanyl – a strong painkiller usually used in hospital, which he had obtained from the streets.
Speaking at his inquest, investigating officer DS Brian Doughty said it was the first time in his career he had come across the drug in a case.
Mrs Fraser has spent the last 11 months raising awareness of the lethal drug through numerous media interviews.