Cora Fraser is searching for answers following the tragic death of her three-year-old son, Gunnar, at a harness racing event in Woodstock, New Brunswick. Although she did not attend the races on June 14, she arrived in time to hold her son as he passed away. The lack of final reports regarding the incident has compounded her grief, as has the silence from the organizations involved in the races.

Fraser, 24, described motherhood as the focal point of her life. She has four daughters and referred to Gunnar as her "baby," a child who loved to hug and snuggle. She is still awaiting police and coroner reports related to her son's death.

On the day of the incident, family members took the children to the races while Fraser planned a day out with friends. "I don't drive, so I was waiting for my ride to go swimming," she recalled. The details of what transpired remain unclear, as the coroner's office has not yet provided her with the autopsy report. They indicated that it is too early to determine if an inquest will be necessary, and the case will be reviewed by New Brunswick's Child Death Review Committee once all investigations are complete.

Fraser has been replaying video footage of the race, which is broadcast live and available online. The video shows the starting truck approaching the grandstand with its gates extended, while spectators line the track. Gunnar was positioned near the fence when the starting truck passed by. Shortly after, a crash was heard, followed by cries from the crowd and an announcement calling for an ambulance.

By the time Fraser reached the track, her son had already been transported to the hospital. She received frantic messages informing her that Gunnar had been struck. In a state of panic, she ran toward the track, intercepted by a friend who drove her the rest of the way. However, she arrived too late to see her son, who had already been taken away by ambulance. Fraser described the moment she learned of the severity of the situation through her oldest daughter’s distress.

Authorities confirmed that a child was struck by the starting gate. Two months later, Fraser is still eager to learn every detail about the incident, including the contents of the police report. The deputy chief of police stated that the family would be informed once the Crown prosecutor's review is complete. He emphasized that the review is for thoroughness and not necessarily indicative of potential charges.

Some individuals familiar with the incident have chosen not to speak publicly, citing the tragedy as an unforeseeable accident that has negatively impacted an already struggling industry. The Connell Park Raceway, where the incident occurred, is the last operating harness racing venue in New Brunswick, having opened in 1968.

Fraser has expressed her desire to see the safety review conducted after the incident, including its recommendations and measures taken to prevent future tragedies. She believes that more than condolences are owed to her family.

At the hospital, medical staff informed Fraser that they were struggling to stabilize Gunnar for a CAT scan. She described a heartbreaking moment when she made the decision to hold him as he passed away, surrounded by love.

A memorial service for Gunnar was held on June 21, where friends and family remembered him as a joyful child who loved to make others laugh. Fraser's chosen sister, Maddie Walton, spoke at the service, highlighting Gunnar's vibrant personality and his love for trains, trucks, and superheroes.

In the aftermath of the incident, WorksafeNB expressed condolences but stated it had no role in the matter, as it was not classified as a workplace health and safety issue. Despite the tragedy, racing continued that day, leaving Fraser questioning when the news of her son's death reached the event organizers.

Woodstock's mayor has committed to ensuring public safety and preventing future accidents, stating that no harness races would occur until a full safety review was completed. On July 24, the town council voted unanimously to resume races after a special meeting where confidential information was shared. The town has since concluded its safety review, but requests for the review's details have been denied.