Teen driver writes to Nayan's parents

Ash Austin was driving home from work when he lost control of his car. Photo / Martin Hunter

The teen who killed a 4-year-old when he lost control of his car last weekend has written a heartfelt letter to the boy's grieving parents.

Ash Austin, 17, was driving home from work when his car left the road and hit Nayan Samuel Woods and his brother Jacob, 6, as they walked along Linwood Ave in Christchurch with their mother Emma.

Nayan was killed and Jacob seriously injured.

Police said Austin was likely to be charged but they were still investigating.

Austin's mother Brenda said yesterday he was having counselling to cope with the crash.

"He has written to the Woods family, but they haven't seen his words yet. We needed to clarify it with our lawyer. He had about three-quarters of a page written before he told me about it."

Brenda said her son was also prepared to meet Emma and Nayan's father Duncan. She thought a meeting would "definitely help" him. "But it's totally up to them, whatever happens from here is up to the Woods family."

Brenda said last weekend her son "simply lost control".

"He knows he has responsibilities. He's fully aware of what's happened and the consequences."

This week Emma Woods said she did not want Austin to dwell on his mistake.

"He's young ... and he's got his whole life ahead of him. And we hope he will use it to do good things, and to be good with people. And maybe eventually to be a good father."

Nayan's funeral was on Friday and mourners were read a letter written by Jacob, who was discharged from hospital on Wednesday.