Bodie Mantla, NWT collision victim, ‘had a heart of gold’

Bodie James Mantla, who passed away in a collision outside Behchokǫ̀ on Friday, is remembered as a man who “saw the best in others and made sure that they were safe and taken care of.”

His mother, Alice, remembered her eldest son fondly in a public tribute to Bodie on Facebook.

“Remember him the way he was: respectful, caring, non-judgmental and funny,” she wrote.

“He would put your needs before his because he had such a big heart. He would make your smile shine brighter, your heart full of laughter, and your mind at ease by his presence.

“I will definitely miss his talks, his big goofy laugh, and his caring nature. Love you, my boy.”

On Monday, the NWT coroner’s office confirmed Bodie, who passed away at the age of 39, was fatally wounded in a collision between two vehicles approximately 40 km south of Edzo on Friday evening.

A number of other people were taken to hospital for treatment following the incident. Their condition is not known.

“An investigation is ongoing as to the contributing factors,” said police in a statement released on Saturday.

Friends and family of Bodie echoed his mother’s sentiments as they paid their respects beneath her message.

“I watched him grow into such an amazing young man in high school,” wrote Cecia Zoe-Martin. “He was such a kind man and always had such a huge respect for everyone around him.”

Andrew Washie wrote to Bodie: “All the years I’ve known you, you really did have a heart of gold.”