Another loss at Frisbie: Receptionist struck in city crosswalk succumbs to injuries

Frisbie Memorial Hospital has seen its share of tragedy in recent weeks. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Frisibie Memorial Hospital was dealt its second tragic loss in two weeks when a Rochester woman who worked there as a receptionist died on New Year's Day, five days after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in the city's downtown.

Diane Felts, 62, had been listed in critical condition at Portsmouth Regional Hospital since the morning of Dec. 27 when she was struck while crossing the street in a crosswalk in the area of Strafford Square, located at the intersection of North Main, Walnut and Washington streets just west of the North Main Street bridge.

Felts was found unconscious by first responders and transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital.

The driver of the vehicle was not charged, and police say impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

According to her obituary, Felts was a receptionist at Frisbie and a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, which observes the Gospel of Jesus by following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Felts leaves behind a husband and two children.

Felts' death comes exactly two weeks after a security guard who worked at Frisbie died after being struck in the face by a New Durham man during an early morning attack on Dec. 13, according to a police affidavit.

Tyler Thurston, 29, is accused of punching Richard Semo, 64, in the face around 3:20 a.m. Police say Semo then fell hitting his head on the pavement in the hospital's emergency parking lot. He was unresponsive when police found him.

The Strafford County Attorneys Office filed manslaughter charges against Thurston on Dec. 21. He remains at Strafford County Jail where he is being held without bail.