GoFundMe Effort Started for Homeless Man Struck on I-393

CONCORD, NH - The daughter of a homeless man, who was struck on I-393 last week and later, passed away, is hosting a GoFundMe effort to defer the cremation costs of his father.

Gene Parker was hit on Jan. 31, 2016, by a driver on I-393 eastbound off North Main Street while trying to navigate his wheelchair along the side of the Interstate due to the sidewalks in the area not being plowed.

His daughter, Melissa Parker, started the effort in order to raise $1,700 to pay for the cremation expenses.

Gene Parker lost his legs a few years ago due to frostbite and after being struck on I-393, it left the remaining parts of his legs broken and mangled, according to his daughter. She noted that he also had collapsed lungs, brain damage, and internal bleeding.

“He had no life insurance policy so I’m having to pay for his cremation myself,” she wrote online. “I’m reaching out to my friends and family. Please anything you can donate to help me would be greatly appreciated.”

At post time, nearly $500 had been raised in small donations, including ones made by former Concord City Council candidate Samantha Clattenburg, and former Concord School Board member Megan DeVorsey.