Charlie Stevens becomes organ donor in extraordinary final act

The South Australian police commissioner has revealed the lifesaving final act of his son as the 18-year-old was laid to rest after a car crash tragedy.

Charlie Stevens’ parents have used his funeral to reveal his touching final act, becoming an organ donor, as they paid tribute to their “caring” boy.

Nearly 1000 mourners gathered at Adelaide Oval on Thursday evening to mourn the late teenager, whose shock death in an alleged hit-and-run incident while on Schoolies has devastated the nation.

His father, South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, and mother Emma delivered a heartbreaking eulogy to their son who was known for his “big heart and his big smile”.

Mourners attend a twilight service celebration at Adelaide Oval, honouring the life of 18-year-old Charlie Stevens. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and wife Emma paid tribute to their ‘Charlie boy’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

“Charlie, your mum and I love you. We are devastated that you were taken from us so soon,” he said.

“We said you were a force of nature, full of energy, unstoppable. Unforgettable.

“We have missed you every day since we said goodbye and we will always miss you forever, Charlie boy.”

They also revealed Charlie was an organ donor, giving hope to another Australian whose life might be saved by his generosity.

“Charlie Stevens was no angel, but he was a good boy. He did have a big personality, a big heart and a good soul,” Mr Stevens said.

“He was incredibly generous and his generosity extended to being an organ donor, something that we talked about with him when he got his driver’s licence.”

Many of the hundreds of attendees were moved to tears, but they also laughed out loud at stories of Charlie’s life. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

Charlie died after he was struck by a car while out with friends celebrating Schoolies at Goolwa Beach on November 17. He died a day later in hospital, becoming SA’s 101st road victim for the year.

Mr Stevens’ voice broke when he looked to Charlie’s friends and thanked them for being with the family in their time of grief and pain.

“It’s meant the world to us that Charlie’s mates have spent so much time with us since we lost him,” he said.

“It warmed our hearts to have that group of boys just being in our home.”

The 18-year-old’s friends spoke through tears at the service, remembering his loyalty, larger-than-life personality and devotion to his friends.

“What truly inspired me about you was your ability to live in the present … You were always smiling, always dancing,” one friend said.

Another said: “Charlie loved people and people loved Charlie.”

The Stevens family has encouraged the public to consider organ donation in Charlie’s memory. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

One friend promised to live a life Charlie would be proud of.

His siblings, Dylan, Josh, Tom and Sophie, wrapped their arms around each other as they farewelled their brother.

“Our hearts are shattering more and more, day by day,” sister Sophie said as she held back tears.

“You annoyed the absolute sh*t out of me on numerous occasions, but I wouldn’t have changed it for the world.”

Brother Dylan described Charlie as “charming” and “free spirited” and someone who lived life to the fullest.

“I’ll always cherish the endless hours spent in the backyard playing either cricket, footy, basketball or tennis until the sun went down,” he said.

“But this usually ended up with Charlie cracking the sh*ts and chasing one of us away with a bat,” he added laughing.