Tears flow as country reacts to powerful Grant Stevens letter paying tribute to his son

National TV and radio personalities were unable to hold back the tears as every Australian was urged to read Police Commissioner Grant Stevens’s powerful tribute to his son.

• Read the letter by Grant Stevens in full

National television and radio personalities have been overcome with emotion while sharing the devastating tribute SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens released on Monday to honour the life of his son.

Charlie Stevens, 18 was killed in an alleged horror hit-run incident at Goolwa Beach during South Australia’s Schoolies festival.

Commissioner Stevens released the heart-wrenching handwritten letter on Tuesday morning, paying tribute to “101” – the 101st life lost on our roads this year, his youngest son, Charlie.

“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. This is where 101 lived,” Commissioner Stevens wrote.

TV presenter Tom Rehn cries during a reading of the tribute by SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens to his son Charlie. Picture: Twitter

“101 arrived on the 28th of April 2005 and changed our lives forever. The last of five – he was different. Cheeky, intense and funny – a loveable ratbag from the moment he could talk. He was as frustrating as hell, but he was also the kid who would look after others, befriend the lonely and help those who were struggling.

Charlie Stevens, with some of the letter written by Grant Stevens.

“Intensity shone through as 101 committed to each new passion - Lego, BBL, scooters, footy, cricket, basketball, surfing, downhilling, Fortnite and his skateboard - it was all or nothing and it was always all.”

On Channel 9’s Today show, reporter Tom Rehn broke down as he read out the whole letter, revealing his stepson was one of Charlie’s mates.

“It’s really difficult to read Karl, and I’ll endeavour to get through it as best I can, I’ll try and be as professional as I can, it is hard, my stepson was one of Charlie’s best friends.”

SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and his family have paid tribute to their son, the 101st life lost on South Australian roads this year, in a powerful letter. #9News

READ MORE: https://t.co/tWHW2S9QJEpic.twitter.com/78QcZzw691

— 9News Adelaide (@9NewsAdel) November 20, 2023

Today host Karl Stefanovic was also moved to tears as he listened.

Channel 7 Sunrise host Natalie Barr was seemingly unable to speak as the tears flowed, forcing co-host Matthew Shirvington to take over the segment.

“I’ve got to be honest with you, it’s extremely hard to get through without shedding a tear even though whether you knew Charlie or you didn’t know him,” Shirvo said.

“The understanding of losing a teenage child, Nat and I are in that position with teenage kids, it’s extremely difficult.”

Sunrise TV presenter Natalie Barr cries during reading of the tribute by SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens to his son Charlie. Picture: Twitter

Today host Karl Stefanovic was also moved to tears. Picture: Twitter

An emotional Shirvo then read out a line from the letter.

As her voice broke, Barr said: ‘Well said Shirvo. We’ll be back in a moment.’

Earlier on Tuesday morning, FIVEaa radio host David Penberthy was also overcome with emotion reading the letter, just a day after he was moved to tears talking about the death of the 18-year-old on his breakfast show.

SA Police Minister Joe Szakacs fought back tears as he urged “everyone” to read the heartbreaking letter.

“Please, everyone take a moment to read that (letter),” he said.

Police Minister Joe Szakacs fought back tears as he urged all Australians to read the letter. Picture: Emma Brasier

“He and his family have been brave to pen this letter, this message, the least that . . . Australians can do is read that (letter and) grieve with the family.

“He has been publicly and privately, a fierce advocate for compassion, for humility and for ensuring the public fully understands and grapples with the fact that with every fatality on our roads, there is a factor of dozens of more people who grieve and suffer as a result of that loss.

“The letter, the statement that was drafted by the Commissioner and his wife Emma is powerful … it’ll take your breath away.”

Mr Szakacs said he was “absolutely” fed up with reckless behaviour on the roads and that he was “angry, heartbroken” and “frustrated” by the death of Charlie.

Posters on The Advertiser’s Facebook page were also overcome with grief.

Linavioli wrote: So heartbreaking but absolutely beautifully written. So much raw and real emotion. Could not possibly fathom the pain they are experiencing, nor do I want to. I wish that 101 would be the last number on a tally that no one should ever encounter. RIP Charlie ”

Julie Browne said: “So heartfelt, poignant and raw. Such courage to have the presence of mind to put pen to paper during an unimaginable stage of grief. My heart is breaking for you all.”

@amethyst2374 posted: “It has to be so heartbreaking, knowing you deal with this day in day out with your job. But would never expect to go through it with your own child/ren. Heart goes out to the family & friends.”

Karen Keavy said: “This is absolutely heartbreaking. This man is so incredibly strong and is subject to the worst of human behaviour in his job but now this? I’m so deeply sorry for he and his family.”

From Donna N Dottie Burns: “One of the nicest things o (sic) have read. Heartbreaking but so much love and such a giving nature to save others through organ donation. RIP Charlie.”