Stevens family ask for donations to Operation Flinders Foundation in Charlie’s memory

The beloved son of SA’s top cop will be farewelled next week, after an outpouring of grief since the teenager’s death, with his family hoping to help him leave a lasting legacy.

Charlie Stevens’ legacy will live on through a cause close to his father’s heart, as the state’s top cop prepares to lay his teenage son to rest.

Charlie, the son of Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and wife Emma, will this week be farewelled in a twilight funeral service in Adelaide Oval’s Magarey Room at 7pm Thursday.

In lieu of flowers, the Stevens family has asked mourners to consider donating to the Operation Flinders Foundation – of which Mr Stevens is a board member – in their son’s memory.

The foundation supports young people facing challenging times in their lives through adventure therapy, which includes camping trips to the Flinders Ranges.

Operation Flinders Foundation chief executive David Wark said the Stevens’ request showed they were the “epitome of selflessness”.

“It’s magnificent,” Mr Wark said.

“They just keep giving.

“To have the Police Commissioner and Emma support what we are trying to do … is just the ultimate act of generosity.

“He’s a very special South Australian.”

Charlie, 18, suffered an irreversible brain injury in an alleged hit-run at Goolwa during Schoolies celebrations.

Charlie Stevens will be farewelled in a twilight funeral service at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Supplied

He died in the Flinders Medical Centre on November 18 after suffering an irreversible brain injury in the collision.

Charlie was flown to Flinders Medical Centre after the collision and placed on life support, with family rushing from interstate to be by his side.

Commissioner Stevens penned an emotional letter in the day’s after his son’s death, introducing South Australians to “101” – his son and the 101st life lost on SA roads in 2023.

“I am writing this sitting in a bedroom with dirty clothes on the floor, an unmade bed, six drinking glasses lined up on the bedside table, an empty KFC box next to the glasses, wardrobe doors left open and a row of skateboards leaning on the wall – it is a mess and it’s perfect,” he wrote.

“101 is Charles Stevens – Charlie, Charlie Boy, Chas, Links, Steve. You lived life and gave so much to so many. You were a force of nature and we will never forget your beautiful cheeky, disarming smile.”

Encounter Bay teenager Dhirren Randhawa, 18, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated driving without due care, leaving the scene of a crash after causing death and failing to truly answer questions.

Dhirren Randhawa, 18, has been charged over Charlie Steven’s death. Picture: Supplied

He was released on bail after his first court appearance and is yet to enter a plea to the charges.

The funeral announcement comes as tributes for Charlie continue to pour in for the beloved teenager.

“Adored son of Grant and Emma,” tribute on Saturday said.

“Loving baby brother to Dylan, Sophie and Kieran, Josh and Tom.

“Cherished uncle Charlie to Ollie.

“Precious grandson of Peter and Claire, Laurel and John (dec).

“Remembered with love and affection by his uncles, aunties and cousins.

“Forever young, forever missed, forever loved.”

The broader South Australian community also remembered Charlie with tributes continuing to flow from the police community.

“The Crime Stoppers SA Board and management team extend heartfelt condolences to SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, his wife Emma, and their children Sophie, Tom, Dylan and Josh following the devastating loss of Charlie Stevens,” another tribute on Saturday said.

“We stand alongside family, friends and the South Australian community, united in grief.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens penned an emotional tribute to his son Charlie in a letter introducing him to South Australians as “101” – the 101st life lost on SA roads in 2023. Picture: Supplied

“Our sympathies go out to Charlie’s extensive network of family and friends and the SA Police community in this shared period of sorrow.”

The Police Credit Union also paid tribute to Charlie.

“The entire Police Credit Union team are deeply saddened at the tragic loss of Charlie Stevens and offer our most sincere condolences to SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, his wife Emma, and children Sophie, Tom, Dylan and Josh,” the tribute said.

“Our thoughts are with Charlie’s many family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time, as well as the broader police family and other first responders as they unite in grief through a difficult period.

“May Charlie rest in peace.”

The service will be lifestreamed via https://rememberingcharlie.com.au.