Kristie Merrett allegedly hit and killed James Edds, 9, while drunk

The family of an allegedly drunk driver who hit and killed a young boy said the crash is “a tragedy for everyone involved”.

An alleged drunk driver who allegedly hit and killed nine year-old James Edds (pictured) has been identified.

The woman who was allegedly drunk while behind the wheel of a car that struck and killed a young boy is a tattoo artist and grandmother.

Kristie Fiona Anne Merrett, 51, is well-known around Bellingen on the mid north coast where she lives and works as an artist and a tattooist.

Police allege Merrett was behind the wheel of a black Lexus 4WD that ploughed into a sedan at Killarney Vale on January 4, critically injuring little James Edds, 9, who died a few days later from his shocking head injuries.

James - an only child - and his mother Anastasia were on their way to spend the boy’s Christmas money on new soccer boots to go with the ball Santa gave him, when their car was allegedly struck by Merrett.

Police allege Merrett recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.197 at the crash scene, almost four times the legal limit, and was found in possession of drugs.

Kristie Merrett, 51, was allegedly four times over the legal blood alcohol limit when she crashed into another car on the Central Coast on January 4 and killed James Edds, 9. Picture: Facebook

She has been charged with ten serious offences including aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death and dangerous driving occasioning death under the influence and possessing drugs.

Merrett’s family who live on the Central Coast told The Daily Telegraph the crash was “a tragedy for everyone involved”.

James Edds, 9, with mum Anastasia. Little James died after their car was allegedly struck by a drunk driver on the Central Coast on January 4. Picture: Facebook

“Kristie lives in Bellingen, she was here (on the Central Coast) visiting her mother...it’s all very upsetting for everyone,” the relative said.

“We don’t know a lot more about it...Kristie has lived away and we don’t hear from her much.”

In 2017, Merrett was pictured at the opening of her own art exhibition in Bellingen, alongside her two sons. She also has a daughter and recently became a grandmother.

James’ distraught family said they didn’t want to dwell on the fact the child was allegedly killed by a drunk driver, and said they trusted the court process.

A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for James’ funeral.

His aunt Nicole Micos said James was an “angel child” whose death had devastated everyone who knew him.

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

James’ mother Anastasia suffered minor physical injuries in the crash, and is being comforted by family.

A Go Fund Me account set up to help the family pay for James’ funeral has raised more than $45,000 in less than a day.