Teenage Drag Racing Enthusiast Katie Iti Passes Away from Influenza Complications

A beloved 15-year-old drag racing enthusiast, Katie Margaret Iti, has tragically passed away after complications from influenza B. Her father, Shayne Iti, shared the heartbreaking news that Katie died at Hutt Hospital on Saturday, just days after falling ill.

Katie's illness began around Tuesday of the previous week, with symptoms that initially seemed manageable. Her father described her condition as gradually worsening over the following days, but they chose to monitor her at home. However, on Saturday morning, Shayne Iti awoke to hear his daughter in distress and immediately decided to seek medical help.

At the hospital, Katie was evaluated by a cardiologist and a surgeon. Tests revealed fluid around her heart, but initial scans suggested the condition was stable. Iti believed she was improving until, just 13 hours after her arrival, Katie's health took a sudden turn for the worse. Her heart stopped, and despite the efforts of medical staff, she could not be revived.

Katie's passion for drag racing was a defining part of her life. She had recently completed her first season of racing her own car, a dream she had nurtured since she began helping her father build a drag racing car. Her enthusiasm for the sport was infectious, and she quickly became a familiar face at drag racing events, often described as a 'sister to everyone' in the community.

Her father recalled how Katie's love for drag racing began when she and he started assisting in building a car for his boss. From there, her interest grew, and she became a regular at drag racing events. Her mother, Jamie Halse, also supported her passion, and together they encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Katie's determination was evident as she would often approach other racers, asking them to convince her father to get her a drag car.

Despite initial reservations about the cost, Katie's persistence and the support of the drag racing community led to her getting her own car. Her father taught her to drive a manual racing car when she was 14, starting with practice on grass and in a carpark. By October, she was competing in her first race, completing the entire season with her own car.

Katie's passing has left a profound impact on the drag racing community. Her father described the collective grief, noting that everyone is struggling to cope with the loss of a young woman who brought joy and energy to the sport. Tributes have poured in online, with many describing her as a 'beautiful soul' who was always smiling, respectful, and full of life.

One tribute on the Wild Bunch New Zealand Facebook page highlighted Katie's genuine passion and enthusiasm for drag racing, noting that she proved the sport is more than just testosterone and competition. Her driving partner, Azaliya, will continue her legacy by racing the No 109 car, a symbol of Katie's enduring presence in the sport.

Iti emphasized that Katie's death was not related to a drag racing event, as some online reports had suggested. The racing season had already ended, and Katie had always used the best safety equipment available. He also urged other families to get vaccinated, as Katie's initial symptoms were typical of the flu—aches, a runny nose, and a cough.

Health New Zealand stated that without a privacy waiver, they could not confirm whether Katie's death would be referred to the coroner or if Hutt Hospital is conducting a review. However, the focus remains on honoring Katie's memory and celebrating her life through a tribute at her funeral in Wainuiomata on Thursday.

Katie's story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Her legacy in the drag racing community will live on, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her.