James Edds, 9 was travelling to spend his Christmas money when hit and killed by alleged drunk driver

James Edds, 9, was excitedly on his way to buy shoes to kick his new soccer ball with when an alleged drunk driver struck his mother’s car, killing him.

James Edds, 9, died after his car was hit by an alleged drunk driver on the central coast last week.

A little boy on his way to buy soccer shoes with his Christmas money has died after the car he was in was struck by an alleged drunk driver almost four times over the limit.

James Lachlan Edds, nine, suffered horrific head injuries when the driver of a Lexus 4WD allegedly ploughed into his family’s sedan at Killarney Vale on January 4.

The brave boy fought for three days in hospital to overcome his injuries, but tragically died on Saturday.

His distraught aunt Nicole Micos told The Daily Telegraph James was “an angel little boy” whose fight in hospital was testament to his strength and resilience in life.

James Edds, age 9, was on his way to buy shoes with his Christmas money when he was hit by an allegedly drunk driver, and died. Picture: Supplied by family

“If you were lucky to have met James you would know how much of an incredible little legend he was,” Ms Micos said.

“James loved kicking a ball around with mum, jumping on the trampoline with his mates...playing Monopoly and Uno with dad and so much more.”

James’ family gave permission for the boy to be identified and pictured, saying his name needed to be “spoken to keep his memory alive”.

Ms Micos said James and his mother Anastasia were on their way to a local shopping centre to buy new shoes to kick his soccer ball with, last Wednesday, when their car was allegedly ploughed into.

James suffered massive head injuries and was trapped inside the car for more than an hour while emergency crews worked delicately to free him, while Anastasia’s physical injuries were not serious.

Police allege Kristie Fiona Anne Merrett, 51, was behind the wheel of a 4WD that failed to give way and struck the Edds’ Toyota sedan, around 12.45pm.

A GoFundMe has been set up for James‘ funeral costs.

Merrett was arrested at the scene after she allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.197 - almost four times over the legal limit.

She was later charged with high-range drink driving, possessing drugs, aggravated dangerous driving and negligent driving.
After James’ death on Saturday, investigators upgraded Merrett’s four charges to 10, including

aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death and dangerous driving occasioning death under the influence.

Devastated friends of James and his mother posted tributes online, remembering the “precious boy” who was “friends with everyone he met”.

“Such a beautiful, gentle and kind soul,” one person wrote.

Another posted: “RIP our little mate James”.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help James’ family with his funeral costs: https://gofund.me/bbd2a68f

Merrett will face court again on January 27.