Remembering Colleen L. Fraser: A Hero of Flight 93 and Advocate for Equality

Colleen L. Fraser was more than a passenger aboard United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001—she was a beacon of courage, compassion, and determination. Traveling to Reno, Nevada via San Francisco, Colleen was on her way to yet another event dedicated to advancing the rights of people with disabilities, a cause to which she devoted her life.

Born with rickets, Colleen and her sister faced medical challenges from an early age. Yet, she refused to let her condition define her. Through numerous surgeries and a lifetime of perseverance, she transformed adversity into strength, using her experiences to champion accessibility and inclusion for others. Her unwavering commitment to equality led her to play a key role in drafting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of the most significant civil rights laws in U.S. history. Colleen even traveled to Washington, D.C., to witness its signing into law—a moment that symbolized years of hard-fought progress.

Beyond her advocacy, Colleen was known for her creativity and warmth. A talented artist and passionate cook, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved watching foreign films with subtitles and enjoyed sharing Mexican meals with her friends. To her family, she was a beloved sister, daughter, and aunt—someone whose laughter and kindness brightened every room she entered.

Colleen’s life reminds us that true heroism is not only found in moments of crisis but also in the quiet, consistent efforts to make the world a better, fairer place. On this day, and always, we remember Colleen L. Fraser—her courage aboard Flight 93, her compassion for others, and her enduring legacy of justice and humanity.