Christine Amica's sister Mena died after being hit by a bus in Manchester, just as Christine was celebrating her cancer remission. The bus driver, Khalid Mahmood, was jailed in May 2025.
A Year of Tragedy
In December 2022, Christine was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two months later, she was recovering from surgery when she learned of her brother's sudden death. As his executor, she had to manage his estate.
Her older sister Mena, her last surviving sibling, was devastated. They had a close bond despite their 16-year age gap.
The Fatal Incident
On October 16, 2023, Christine met her friend Joy at the Portico Library to celebrate her cancer being in remission. After Joy left, she warned Christine to avoid Piccadilly bus station because someone had been hit by a bus.
Christine then saw a message from Mena saying she was going into town. She warned her to avoid Piccadilly Gardens, but got a reply saying 'phone me'. On the bus home, she called and a police officer answered, telling her Mena had been involved in the incident and was taken to Salford Royal.
A Heartbreaking Decision
At the hospital, Christine learned Mena had a catastrophic brain injury and was on life support. After discussions with doctors and family, she decided to remove life support, believing that's what Mena would have wanted. Mena died at age 76.
Christine later spoke to an off-duty trauma doctor who was first on the scene. The doctor said she knew Mena would not survive and had asked emergency services to keep her warm for the family.
Support and Justice
After Mena's death, Christine felt overwhelmed, juggling her sister's affairs, the criminal investigation, and her own health. A police officer gave her a leaflet about the charity Brake, which supports road death victims. A caseworker helped her understand the legal process.
Khalid Mahmood, 66, of Eccles, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. He had lost control of his bus, hitting pedestrians and crashing into a shop. A judge ruled he mistook the brake for the accelerator. He was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years.
Christine read her impact statement in court, saying: "It is impossible to put into words the impact the death of my sister has had on me."
Moving Forward
Now retired, Christine enjoys photography and volunteers at HOME arts centre. She says she doesn't want to be bitter and focuses on her daughters and grandson. She remains aware that life can change unexpectedly.
