Pain lingers for mother of victim in fatal 2022 Yellowknife crash
Trial now underway for woman charged in connection with death of Celine Mantla's son, Germaine Mantla
Losing a child is every parent's worst nightmare — and Celine Mantla has endured that pain three times in her life.
Her last living child, Germaine Mantla, 30, was hit by a car in Yellowknife in 2022 and later died in hospital.
Hannah Laferty is currently on trial in Yellowknife, charged with dangerous driving causing death in connection with that collision near Bison Hill Apartments in April 2022.
Celine Mantla says it has been a very difficult time for her since that day when RCMP knocked on her door to tell her Germaine had been hit by a vehicle.
"I have lost my son three years ago. I have lost my baby, my last son, Germaine," Celine told CBC News.
She recalled how Germaine had called her earlier, on the night of the incident, while she was at work.
"He said, 'mum ... are you working?' I said, 'yeah,'" Celine said.
That was the last time she spoke to him. Celine says she stayed up until 4 a.m., but Germaine didn't come home. The RCMP came to her door the next morning.
"I said, 'I don't want to hear it, I don't want to hear it.' I had already lost two kids. I just kneeled down and I cried and I cried, 'no, it can't be happening to me.'" Celine recalled, in tears.
"I had already lost two kids already. My last baby, my only last baby I had lost."
She said Germaine was medevaced to Edmonton and was in a coma. He later died from his head injuries, she said.
Celine is originally from Deline, N.W.T., and has lived in Yellowknife for 28 years. Germaine was buried in Deline, she said.
Celine says Germaine left behind two daughters. Celine says one of them, Skyler, will sometimes see a different person around her and say, "oh, that's my daddy."
Celine remembers the good times she had with Germaine and her two daughters as well.
After Germaine died, Celine says she underwent trauma treatment for six months. Now, she says taking care of her four grandchildren gives her strength.
"I'm glad that I'm keeping my grandkids, and that's really giving me happiness," she said.
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