A family from the Central Coast is grief-stricken and angry after the death of a nine-year-old boy who was injured in a crash involving an allegedly drunk driver.
James, nine, died Saturday Night in hospital, three days after the horror crash.
“If you were lucky to have met James you would know how much of an incredible little legend he was,” the boy’s aunt wrote on a GoFundMe page set up to support the family.
“James loved kicking a ball around with mum, jump on the trampoline with his mates, eat yiayias cheese pie, play monopoly and uno with dad and so much more.
“Tragically, James was taken from us way too soon.”
“He died on Saturday 7th January 2023 after sustaining severe brain injuries in a car accident. He was just nine years old and had his whole life ahead of him.”
James and his mum Anastasia were on their way to buy new soccer boots on Wednesday so he could kick the ball he bought with his Christmas money.
A Lexus SUV being driven by a woman who was allegedly almost four times the legal limit collided with James and his mother’s Toyota sedan. Police say the SUV ran a give way sign.
The crash happened at the intersection of Mort Street and George Evans Road in Killarney Vale, about 90 minutes north of Sydney.
James was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.
“Despite the best efforts of doctors and nurses in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit James didn’t make it. He fought so hard, and it’s a testament to how strong and resilient little James was,” the boy’s aunt said.
“Anastasia sustained minor injuries. We also want to take this opportunity to thank every single medical professional at John Hunter Hospital who worked tirelessly to support James across this week.”
The accused woman was taken to Gosford Police Station where she underwent another breath test which allegedly returned a reading of 0.197, more than triple the legal limit.
NSW Police said charges against the woman had been upgraded following James’ death.
Her charges include aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death, as well as driving under the influence and in a dangerous manner.
She faced court last week and was granted bail. She is due to face Gosford Local Court on January 27.
