Tributes flow for ‘incredible’ Gold Coast dad, husband Ben Fragar

A Gold Coast businesswoman has paid tribute to her ‘loving’ and ‘compassionate’ husband following his tragic sudden death. Read her heartbreaking message for the community.

A Gold Coast businesswoman has paid tribute to her “loving” and “compassionate” husband following his tragic sudden death last week.

Michelle Fragar has shared her extraordinary grief after losing her husband, Ben, to suicide in the hope that his story continues to help those with mental health issues.

It comes as Australians marked R U OK? day on Thursday, highlighting the importance of checking on loved ones and their mental health.

Ben Fragar passed away last week. Picture: supplied

The Currumbin Waters dad was struggling with past trauma, ADHD and other undiagnosed mental health conditions.

“In the days leading up to Ben’s passing there were signs of a change in behaviour, and we sought help and guidance and unfortunately, we couldn’t stop what ultimately happened,” Mrs Fragar said.

“Unfortunately, I was the one to find him.”

Ben and Michelle Fragar. Picture: supplied

For 15 years, Ben had been involved in a Dads in Distress support group, often taking time out of his day to answer the phone call of a dad in need of help.

He was a passionate volunteer for the Burleigh Bears Junior footy club.

“He was the most loving and compassionate guy you would ever meet. He was always there for everyone else, but unfortunately, he couldn’t be there for himself,” Mrs Fragar said.

“He was funny, he was everyone’s best mate, and he would even engage with strangers when he walked the dogs knowing that his ‘hello’ might make their day better.

“Ben was an incredible person who was fighting a darkness inside him.

“He loved his friends and family and would always be the first to put his hand up to help others.

“It’s important we celebrate his life, he wouldn’t want us spending another minute crying over his loss, he’d rather us laugh at one of his jokes because he truly liked to make people feel good.”

Ben and Michelle Fragar with son Maddox. Picture: supplied

Mrs Fragar, the founder of BRANDiT Marketing, said her late husband would leave behind a lasting legacy of “kindness and compassion”.

Still reeling from her devastating loss, she has advocated for better diagnosis and more support for those dealing with multiple symptoms and signs of deeper issues.

“Suicide isn’t the answer. Don’t leave your friends and family behind, let us help you, let us help find a way for you to want to help yourself,” Mrs Fragar said.

“Ben was loved but he couldn’t find a way to love himself. Ben went out of his way to make people feel good.

“If he could say anything now it would be ‘say hello to a stranger, start a conversation’, because although we couldn’t save Ben, without a doubt he has saved others and we will make sure his story continues to help those struggling with mental health issues.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the Fragar family as they continue to grieve the beloved husband, father and friend.

Mrs Fragar thanked those in the community who had offered support to her and son Maddox.

“Tragedy always brings us closer, but we’d rather have Ben here with us, cheering on his beloved Titans,” she said.

“We are beyond devastated that he will never be walking through that front door again.

“For me, I’ve lost my husband, but my biggest concern is for my 11-year-old son and my stepchildren who will now grow up without their father.”