Mother of Shane Powell calls for justice one year after he was fatally struck while riding his motorbike

Raelene Powell tragically lost her son Shane when he was fatally struck in an alleged hit and run. Twelve months on from the tragedy, the accused are yet appear in the NT Supreme Court.

Raelene Powell says losing her son Shane was ‘a nightmare’ that had not left her family. Picture: Lee Robinson

THE mother of a man fatally struck in an alleged hit and run has called for justice one year on from the tragic loss of her “best friend”.

Raelene Powell, 73, said losing her firstborn son was “a nightmare” that had not left her family 12 months on from the incident.

On October 15 last year, disability support worker Shane Powell was riding his motorbike home from work in Alice Springs when he was hit by an allegedly stolen vehicle at the intersection of Stott Tce and Telegraph Tce.

The 47-year-old sustained life threatening injuries and was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition. He sadly died a week later after a difficult decision was made to switch off his life support.

Two 19-year-old men and three youths – aged 13, 15 and 16 at the time – were initially charged with hit-and-run causing serious harm and failing to rescue or provide help.

The 15-year-old boy was also charged with entering an intersection against a red light. Some charges have since been upgraded, with the matter expected to be heard in the Northern Territory Supreme Court next month.

“I left several messages on his phone when 10 minutes passed after his usual arrival time home,” Ms Powell recounted.

Shane Powell was a disability support worker. Picture: Supplied

“His dog Kato was restless and sat by the door waiting.”

Instead of being greeted by her son that day, Ms Powell received a phone call from police, who were stationed outside her house.

At the time, Shane had been caring for his mother and supporting her financially while she recuperated from a recent heart attack.

Ms Powell flew to Adelaide to be with her son, who was by this time on life support. On October 22, it was ultimately decided his medical team “could do no more”.

Shane Powell on his much-loved motorbike. Picture: Supplied.

“I had to make some sense out of all this,” Ms Powell recalled. “His life had to mean something.”

Shane’s organs were donated to five people, some of whom keep in regular contact with Ms Powell.

“The support from the medical teams and the town people of Alice Springs has been enormous, including Shane’s workplace, his workmates and clients.

“The police and lawyers for Shane have worked extremely hard, but this is not an easy case to deal with. We are still waiting to have our day in the Supreme Court.”

Ms Powell said her family “just wants justice” for Shane, because his “life did matter”.

“If you commit a crime you need to pay for it, regardless of who you are or what age,” she said.

“This house is very empty without him. Shane still had so much life to live.

“At the moment, I cannot see this hurt going away anytime soon.”