Tragic: Critically injured victim in alleged hit-run dies
THE victim of an alleged hit and run last week has died after he was flown to Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition
Northern Territory
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THE victim of an alleged hit and run in Alice Springs last Thursday has died today after he was flown to Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) in a critical condition, with those allegedly responsible for his death to have their charges upgraded.
Shane Powell was riding his motorcycle last Thursday when he was hit by an allegedly stolen car that was driven through a red light at the Larapinta intersection.
He sustained life threatening injuries as a result of the collision and was flown to RAH on Friday.
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Police have charged five young people in relation to the crash, who are set to have their charges upgraded.
The three youth offenders allegedly involved in the incident will appear in court on Friday.
One man has been remanded in custody to appear at a later date, and the other man will appear in court on November 3.
Wayne Thompson posted the news on Alice Springs community Forum on Facebook.
“It is with deep sorrow that I bring the news that the life support for Shane Powell will be removed sometime today,” he said.
“The doctors who have fought tirelessly can do no more and Shane’s injuries to the brain are just too great.
“Shane’s family have made the decision to donate his organs so that life may be enhanced for others as that is what Shane wanted.
“On the night of the accident Shane was on his way home from work after settling one of his clients for the evening as a special needs carer. Shane really loved his work and was at the top of his game.
“Please join with me in supporting Shane’s mother who is 72 and recently recovered from a heart attack, his sister and brother all of whom will grieve his loss for years to come.
“Shane was the main support for his mother in her convalescence as well as financial provider so a big hole has been torn in her life other than losing a son.”
Chief Minister Michael Gunner said Mr Powell’s death had been an “absolutely awful, unexpected tragedy.”
“We all want whoever is found guilty of this offence to face the full consequences of the law,” he told parliament.
“I’d like to offer all love and sympathy to the family and friends.”
A fundraiser set up for the Powell family after the incident by Braitling MLA Josh Burgoyne and Wayne Thompson had raised more than $3300 as of October 20.
Araluen MLA Robyn Lambley said Shane Powell “was a victim of the extreme lawlessness that has been allowed to escalate in Alice Springs lately”.
“More people will be hurt and possibly even killed if something is not done to stop this insanity.
“They must start by getting the kids off the streets at night. Call it a curfew, call it what you want. We cannot have these gangs of children out at all hours of the night.
“It is totally unacceptable. It’s time for action.”
A report will be prepared for the coroner.