Mother accused of using meth before fatal crash

The death of a "bright, adventurous" 7-year-old was allegedly caused by his mother, who is accused of using methamphetamine before a car crash in which he was killed.

O’Siah Prasad died on March 23 when the car he was in crashed through a fence and into a ditch in Owaka Valley Rd.

Yesterday, his 47-year-old mother Sangita Prasad appeared in the Dunedin District Court charged with careless driving causing death while under the influence of drink or drugs.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment or a fine of $10,000.

A Givealittle page was set up in the aftermath of the incident to assist "family and loved ones in deep grief".

"During this heartbreaking time, we are reaching out for support to help O’Siah’s family (including his mum Sangita)," the fundraising post said.

"No parent should have to face this pain alone, and any contribution, no matter how small, will help ease the burden they are carrying."

Donations, totalling $10,387 raised over two weeks, would go towards a headstone and "general financial aid for anything the family needs while they grieve" and would be handled by Prasad’s oldest daughter.

ACC would cover the costs of the funeral, the Givealittle page said.

O’Siah was described as "a bright, loving, and adventurous little boy, who filled every room with joy".

"He loved exploring the outdoors, making memories with his family, and sharing his beautiful smile with everyone around him ... and his loss has left an unimaginable void."

Prasad was remanded on bail by Judge Michael Turner on condition she lived at a Fairfield address, did not drive any vehicle and did not possess illicit drugs.

She will appear in court next month to enter a plea to the charge.