Charges upgraded against driver arrested after alleged hit-run that led to Charlie Stevens’ death

The 18-year-old driver arrested after an alleged hit-run that led to Charlie Stevens’ death has had his charges upgraded.

The charges against the driver arrested after the alleged hit-run crash that claimed the life of Police Commissioner Grant Stevens’ son Charlie have been upgraded.

Charlie Stevens, 18, was struck by a car at Goolwa Beach about 9pm on Friday night.

He was flown to Flinders Medical Centre where he was placed on life support with an irreversible brain injury, as family raced from interstate to be at his bedside.

Tragically, SA Police later said Charlie passed away in hospital at 7.01pm on Saturday surrounded by family and friends.

The driver, who has P-plate displayed on his car, an 18-year-old Encounter Bay man, was arrested on Friday night and charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm among other charges.

His charges have since been upgraded to 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.

He has been refused bail and will appear in Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday.

Grants Stevens in 2015, with his family (clockwise from front left) Charlie, then 9, his wife Emma, Sophie, 19, Dylan, 20, Josh, 18, and Tom, 12. Picture Dean Martin

Grief-stricken Commissioner Stevens and his wife Emma thanked first reponders and other emergency service workers who attended the incident – and “caring and supportive” staff at Flinders Medical Centre.

“Commissioner Grant Stevens and wife Emma would like to thank all SAPOL staff, first responders and other emergency services workers who attended the incident,” a police statement said.

“The Stevens family also wish to thank the wider community for their support during this difficult time.

“In particular the family acknowledge the dedicated staff at the Flinders Medical Centre for their care and support of Charlie and his family and friends.”

In a heartbreaking Facebook tribute, his mother, Emma Stevens, posted a photo of her youngest son with the words “Forever 18 my beautiful boy, going to miss you and love you for ever”. While his older brother, Tom, said: “It breaks my heart my days of being a big brother have come to an end.”

The driver of the car involved in the incident, a 18-year-old Encounter Bay man, did not stop at the Beach Rd scene but was found a short time later at nearby Port Elliot Rd, Goolwa.

The tragedy happened on the same day Mr Stevens fronted the media at Bordertown to announce the death of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, 53, who died from a gunshot wound on a remote property at Senior, in the South East.

Brevet Sergeant Doig was the first South Australian police officer to die from a shooting in the line of duty in four decades.

“No one is left untouched by this tragic incident,” Mr Stevens said on Friday.

Charlie Stevens and Grant Stevens. Picture: Supplied

Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams during the emotional press conference on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Kelly Barnes

On Saturday, Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams broke down in tears as she extended condolences to Mr and Ms Stevens.

The Instagram post by Charlie's brother, Tom Stevens.

“We always talk about this happening to other people but the reality is that it can happen to anyone, any family or any community,” she said.

“The sense of grief is always enormous.”

She was joined by Premier Peter Malinauskas, who said Mr Stevens has dedicated his life to protecting others and led the state through some of its most difficult circumstances.

“It is just so unjust that he and his family have now had to endure this great tragedy themselves,” he said.

Charlie played football for Mercedes College, where he attended school, as well as Mitcham Hawks, West Adelaide and Goodwood Saints.

Saints president Jordan Dodd paid tribute to the player on Facebook calling his “an effervescent prescence”.

Charlie Stevens as a 14-year-old with Kobe McEntee, also then 14, at the Mitcham football oval in 2019. Picture: Morgan Sette

Ms Williams said Charlie had recently left school to take up a carpentry apprenticeship, and he “very much loved what he did”.

Asked whether the hit-run had been an accident, she said the investigation was in its very early stages.

“This is still subject to an inquiry by Major Crash and Major Crime at this stage,” she said.

Paramedics at the scene on Beach Road, Goolwa, after Charlie was hit. Picture: Gary Juleff

The car involved in the alleged hit-run. Picture: Gary Juleff

Encounter Youth, the group that organises the Schoolies festival, said it had been a tragic start to the event and counselling would be made available to attendees.

Tributes flooded in from SA and across the country after news of the incident broke on Saturday morning.

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said his thoughts and prayers were with the Stevens family following the “horrible and tragic accident”.

State Opposition Leader David Speirs also said the incident was heartbreaking.

“Another day and more tragic news for our South Australian police community,” he said.

“My thoughts are with Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and his family as they deal with this sad and difficult time. Grant has been an exceptional leader in SA through tough times. Now he needs our support.”

In a statement, RAA extended heartfelt thoughts to the Stevens family.

“Our hearts go out to them during this tragic and difficult time,” the statement said.

“It’s been a horrible year on SA roads and we urge everyone to take care and look after each other on our roads.”

SA’s 2023 road toll reached 101 on Saturday when a man and woman died in a crash at Willalooka, in the South-East. It was 61 at this time last year.