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Aussie boy, 9, dies after being hit by alleged drunk driver

He was on his way to buy boots to kick the new soccer ball he had bought with his Christmas money.

An "incredible" nine-year-old boy has lost his fight for life after an alleged drunk driver collided into the car he and his mum were in on the NSW Central Coast last week.

James Lachlan Edds was on his way to buy soccer boots last Wednesday to kick his new ball, when the family's Toyota sedan collided with a Lexus SUV.

Emergency services were called at about 12.45pm to the intersection of Mort Street and George Evans Road, Killarney Vale, with James having to be airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle in a critical condition.

A photo of James Lachlan Edds, 9, who was tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver while on his way to pick up some soccer shoes with his mum in Killarney Vale.
James Lachlan Edds, 9, was tragically killed by an alleged drunk driver while on his way to pick up some soccer shoes. Source: GoFundMe

His aunt Nicole Micos said he sustained "severe brain injuries" and "fought so hard" for three days, until passing away on Saturday.

"Tragically, James was taken from us way too soon," she said in the GoFundMe page which has since raised more than $37,000 from its $10,000 goal. "He was just 9 years old and had his whole life ahead of him."

"James and his mum, my sister Anastasia, were on their way to grab new shoes, so he could kick his new soccer ball he bought with his Christmas money, when their car was hit..."

"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."

A photo of the crash scene, involving the Toyota sedan and Lexus SUV, as well as a police car and two ambulances.
Police and emergency services attended the fatal crash last Wednesday involving a Toyota sedan and Lexus SUV. Source: NewsLocal

Tributes flow for nine-year-old boy

Described as an "incredible little legend", by his aunt, it's clear James was loved by many and will be sorely missed.

"James loved kicking a ball around with mum, jump(ing) on the trampoline with his mates, eat(ing) yiayia's cheese pie, play(ing) monopoly and uno with dad, and so much more!" she said in the GoFundMe.

Others also shared their love for him online, and passed on their condolences to the family.

"All our compassion, love and support to you all at this time. Such a beautiful, gentle and kind soul," one person said on Facebook.

"We are so grateful to have met you, James," a parent said. "Thank you for being such a beautiful friend to Hunter. Rest easy. We will miss your beautiful smile so much."

"This hurts, this young man was in my son's Oztag team and my son is devastated for his friend. RIP little man," another parent said.

Woman before the courts following crash

The 51-year-old woman driving the Lexus which collided with the family's Toyota sedan, had an alleged blood-alcohol reading of 0.197 — almost four times over the legal limit, according to NSW Police.

Her licence was suspended and she appeared at Newcastle Local Court on last Thursday, where she was granted conditional bail.

Following James' death on Saturday, her charges have been upgraded and there are now 10 including aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death, dangerous driving occasioning death – driving under influence, and driving with a high range PCA. The woman will appear before Gosford Local Court on January 27.

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