Former University of Lincoln staff member dies after being hit by car on crossing

A former member of University of Lincoln staff has died after being hit by a car on a pedestrian crossing.

Maria Cristiana Cherino Munoz, 55, died from her injuries following the incident which took place on Carholme Road in Lincoln on 13th May.

The collision happened just before 8pm and involved a red Peugeot 107.

Ms Munoz arrived in the UK from Spain to study at the University of Hull 25 years ago, according to her family. They said that she never returned to her native country, having “made a life for herself” in England.

She began working at the University of Lincoln in its International Business School, after moving to the city in the early 2000s. She later worked at Lincoln County Hospital as a ward clerk.

Lincolnshire Police charged Tarequl Islam, 32, with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was also charged over driving without third-party insurance and driving without the relevant licence.

Cristina Munoz’s family said she was “well known in the local community”.

In a statement to police, her family said: “Cristina was a hugely positive person who always put others before herself.

“Cristina was a caring and loving mother who was always fit and active, and adored exercising with her dogs. As a mother, she was so protective of her family and friends, and her death has left a huge hole in our lives.

“We will take her lessons in life of being happy and positive to heart and will never allow her memory to be forgotten as her spirit lives on within us.”

Mr Islam appeared at Lincoln Magistrate’s Court on 15th May.

He is due to appear next at Lincoln Crown Court on 12 June 2025, where charges will be “subject to review”.