Celine Mantla has faced the heart-wrenching loss of three children in her life, with her last surviving child, Germaine Mantla, tragically passing away at the age of 30 after being struck by a car in Yellowknife in 2022. The driver, Hannah Laferty, is currently standing trial in Yellowknife, facing charges of dangerous driving causing death related to the incident near Bison Hill Apartments in April 2022.
Recalling the devastating moment when the RCMP informed her of Germaine’s accident, Celine expressed the immense pain she experienced, having already lost two children in the past. The night of the incident, Germaine had called her while she was at work, which turned out to be their final conversation. Despite staying up until the early hours of the morning, Germaine never returned home, and the news was delivered to Celine by the authorities the next day.
Germaine was airlifted to Edmonton in a coma and succumbed to his head injuries, leaving behind two sons. Celine, originally from Délı̨nę, N.W.T., has resided in Yellowknife for nearly three decades, and Germaine was laid to rest in Délı̨nę.
Reflecting on the cherished memories with her children, Celine shared her journey of seeking trauma therapy for six months following Germaine’s passing. She emphasized that caring for her four grandchildren has been a source of solace and joy, providing her with strength during this challenging period.
