An elderly driver accused of killing a three-year-old boy in a fatal road crash has died.

Toddler Xander Irvine was hit by a Kia which had mounted a pavement when he was walking along Morningside Road in Edinburgh with his mother Victoria on June 30 last year.

The boy died from his injuries and his mother was taken to hospital but was later released.

A 91-year-old woman, Edith Duncan, was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

It's understood that she was due to stand trial in July, but died in May. 

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) have confirmed the case is now closed. 

The Herald:

Police at the scene in Morningside Road, Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA)

 

A spokeswoman said: “As the accused is now deceased, criminal proceedings are at an end.”

Hundreds of mourners, residents and business owners lined the street to pay their respects at Xander’s funeral procession on July 9 last year.

In a statement previously released by the family, they said: “Xander Paul Thomas Irvine, three years old, was out for a walk in Morningside with his mother on Tuesday afternoon when a tragic accident occurred.

“Xander was a very happy, bubbly, intelligent little boy who was very dearly loved by his parents Victoria and Paul.

“Xander was a real chatterbox who just loved books, playing with all sorts of vehicles and his Lego.

“Victoria and Paul are devastated and feel as if their hearts have been ripped out.

“Xander will be so very sorely missed by them both and all his family and friends in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“What will we do without you, Xander?”