The parents of Ada Zeynep Bicakci, the nine-year-old girl tragically killed by a bus driver nearly a year ago, are speaking out in the hopes of raising awareness and pushing for meaningful changes to improve safety. Ada was struck by a bus in London on August 2024 while riding her bike. The driver, Martin Asolo-Ogugua, 23, fell asleep at the wheel and veered onto a sidewalk, hitting Ada.
A Senseless Tragedy
Asolo-Ogugua, who was later found to have taken cannabis the night before, failed a drug test at the scene. He was subsequently sentenced to four years in prison and had his driving privileges revoked for seven years. Ada, a gymnast and swimmer, was rushed to the hospital but tragically passed away two days later.
A Parent’s Fight for Change
Ada’s parents, Nevgül and Bora Bicakci, are determined to ensure that their daughter’s death leads to meaningful changes in road safety. The grieving parents have launched a campaign to honor Ada’s memory and push for greater accountability. Speaking to News Shopper, they said, “This senseless act, rooted in driver negligence and systemic failures, ignited our unyielding fight to ensure a safer future for all.” They added that their campaign is not just about remembering Ada but also advocating for change from Transport for London, the government, and the wider community.
“Our voice resonates with other victims as well as other bus drivers who want to avoid similar future pain,” the Bicakcis said, emphasizing their commitment to preventing further tragedies.
The Tragic Incident
The incident occurred while Ada was riding her bike to gymnastics class with her five-year-old brother and her father. Ada’s parents have expressed dissatisfaction with the four-year prison sentence given to Asolo-Ogugua, calling it “unduly lenient.” They believe the punishment does not reflect the severity of the consequences of his actions.
Creating Ada’s Heartbeat
In memory of Ada, the Bicakcis created an organization called Ada’s Heartbeat, dedicated to promoting road safety and ensuring her legacy lives on. The family plans to hold an event at the site where Ada was killed on the anniversary of the incident, August 3, 2025, to further raise awareness. They hope to share more details and visuals of the incident, as well as provide a platform for others to join their cause. However, they are still awaiting permission to gather at the location.
Organ Donation and Giving Spirit
Despite the immense grief, Ada’s parents are proud of their daughter’s final act of generosity. After Ada’s passing, her organs were donated to six other children, a testament to her selfless and giving spirit.
The Parents’ Emotional Statements
In a heart-wrenching court appearance, Nevgül shared her pain, saying, “My daughter is gone. She was nine-years-old and innocent. Why is she gone? Because a 23-year-old shirked his responsibility, took drugs, partied all night, and then got behind the wheel of a bus the following morning.”
Bora recalled the moment he witnessed the accident. “The sound of the tires hitting the curb. Looking back and seeing Ada’s body bouncing between the bus and the wall,” he said, his voice breaking. “Holding her in my lap. Her broken lungs struggling for every breath. Her eyes fading. Her brother behind me, shocked by fear. The bus drifting away. People stopping by to help. Sam stepping in. Hope and then sadness,” he added.
A Call for Justice and Change
As the Bicakcis continue to grieve their daughter’s death, they are channeling their pain into a powerful call for justice and change. Their campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of driver negligence, especially when it comes to public transportation, and ensure that no other family has to suffer the same heartbreak they have.
