Teen Drag Racer Dies After Short Illness
Community mourns the sudden loss of a vibrant young racer
A Lower Hutt community is grieving the loss of 15-year-old **Katie Margaret Iti**, who passed away in Hutt Hospital on Saturday from complications related to influenza B, after being unwell for only a few days, according to her father, **Shayne Iti**.
Sudden Deterioration
**Shayne Iti** recounted that his daughter’s condition appeared to worsen over a few days, initially monitored at home. After waking up to her distress early Saturday, he immediately took her to the hospital. Doctors discovered fluid around her heart. Despite seeming to improve initially, **Katie**’s condition rapidly declined, and her heart stopped just 13 hours after arriving at the hospital.
“She was gone. I was with her right up until the end.”
**Iti** said.
Rising Drag Racing Star
**Katie Iti**’s passion was drag racing. She completed her first season racing her own car, fueled by enthusiasm ignited when she and her father assisted his boss in building a drag racing car. Her love for the sport quickly grew, supported by her mother, **Jamie Halse**, and she became close to other junior racers.
According to the CDC, flu activity is still elevated across the US, with the highest rates seen in the Southeast and south-central parts of the country (CDC Weekly Report).
Driven to Race
When **Katie** expressed her desire to race, **Cindy Mendoza**, the 2022 New Zealand Super Street Champion, offered her a ride. From there, **Katie** was determined to compete herself. Despite initial hesitation due to cost, **Shayne Iti** eventually supported her dream, teaching her to drive the manual racing car at age 14.
“Go tell my Dad to get me a drag car’ and, of course, everyone was always in my ear about getting her a car so we made it happen,”
**Iti** said.
Community Mourns
**Iti** described **Katie**, who had no siblings, as “a sister to everyone”
and noted the drag racing community deeply feels her loss. The drag racing community will honor **Katie**’s love for the sport at her funeral in Wainuiomata on Thursday.
Online tributes described **Katie** as a “beautiful soul”
who was always happy and respectful.
**Iti** clarified that reports of **Katie**’s death occurring during a drag racing event were false, emphasizing the season concluded some time ago. He also noted that her driving partner, **Azaliya**, will continue racing with the number 109 car to honor **Katie**’s legacy.
To other families, **Iti**’s message is to get vaccinated, after **Katie**’s initial symptoms appeared routine: an achy body, runny nose, and cough.
