Woman charged with driving with excess breath alcohol after fatal crash with 11-year-old cyclist in Flaxmere

A 34-year-old woman has been charged by police with driving with excess breath alcohol after a crash that killed Flaxmere 11-year-old Emma-Jane Sylvia Kupa.

The woman, who is also facing a charge of operating a vehicle carelessly, is set to appear in Hastings District Court on February 18, and police have not ruled out the possibility of further charges.

Eleven-year-old Emma-Jane died in a crash in Flaxmere while cycling on Chatham Rd on January 30, 2025.

The fatal crash happened on Thursday, January 30, when Emma-Jane was cycling with her 15-year-old sister on Chatham Rd.

Emma-Jane died after being struck by a vehicle. Police said on Wednesday they had now charged the woman with driving with a breath alcohol level over 400 micrograms per litre of breath.

Flaxmere community has been paying tribute to Emma-Jane by leaving flowers and gifts at the site where she was killed. Photo / Rafaella Melo

The Flaxmere community has rallied around Emma-Jane’s grieving family, offering support through donations and heartfelt messages.

A memorial has been set up at the site of the crash.

On Tuesday, family and friends gathered for a service at the Te Aranga Marae, followed by a convoy that made a final stop outside Flaxmere Primary School before heading to the crematorium.