A father’s heartbreak after his 6-year-old son dies in an accident on New Years Day

On New Year’s Day, a Wellington parent was knocked on the door and greeted by two police officers with “news that no parent should have to receive.”

His son, who loved dinosaurs and was just a month away from his 7th birthday, died in a head-on collision while on vacation in Whangārei.

Six-year-old Myka Tuala is the first road fatality of 2021. He died on State Highway 1 in Hikurangi, north of Whangārei, around 4:20 pm on New Year’s Day.

Myka’s father, Jay Tuala, shared in a Facebook post the heartbreaking moment when he received the news of his son’s death. Permission was given to Herald to use the content of the post.

“On the first day of 2021, someone knocked on our door,” he wrote.

“Two police officers stood up to deliver news that no parent should have to receive.

“Our dear son had been involved in a head-on collision at Whangārei that afternoon and had passed away.”

Myka was the only daughter of Jay and Charlotte Tuala. He would have turned 7 on February 6.

Speaking through a family friend, Charlotte Tuala said her son was in Northland for the family break, where he used to go during school holidays.

A Givealittle page created to support the grieving family said that the “happy, kind and gentle” young man was adored by all who knew him.

Her personality was a true reflection of the loving family environment in which she grew up, the page said.

A tribute from Paparārangi Kindergarten said that Myka attended classes from March 2017 until she started at Paparangi school in February 2019.

“He was a loving child who loved dinosaurs, zombies, Angry Birds and his bright yellow hat and had a big smile that lit up the room. Our thoughts go out to his parents and family at this sad time.”

Other friends and family shared their pain online.

“Words can’t even explain the sadness I felt hearing about Myka. I’m heartbroken for you. I send you all my love,” said one.

Another wrote: “No parent should have to bury their children ahead of time.”

Five other people were injured in the January 1 collision in Hikurangi, between George St and Jordan Valley Rd.

All are now in a stable condition. A woman is being treated in Auckland.

A police spokesman said investigations into the circumstances of the accident were ongoing.

The Transport Ministry released the provisional toll for 2020 last week, revealing that 320 people were killed in “heartbreaking” accidents, an average of six people per week.

Myka’s death was the first on Northland roads this year, after 28 people died in 2020.

Northland Police Sgt. Ryan Gray said there were few problems on the roads during the New Year period. However, he cautioned against complacency when people return home from travel during the New Year period.

“I want to thank everyone for their good behavior and patience, but the vacation period is not over yet. Don’t let complacency creep in,” he said.

“Take care of each other, don’t drink and drive, and make a lot of rest stops.”