Kunj Patel, 30, charged over North Adelaide crash that killed motorcyclist

A man charged over the New Year’s Eve crash that killed a motorcyclist has appeared in court for the first time.

Kunj Patel, 30, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday March 13, charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Picture: 7NEWS

A man charged over the New Year’s Eve crash which killed a motorcyclist has appeared in court for the first time.

Kunj Kantilal Patel, 30, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

He has also been charged with the lesser offence of aggravated driving without due care.

The Northfield man was charged on New Year’s Day after the crash the night before, which claimed the life of young motorcyclist Tyler Matthews-Burnes.

According to documents released to The Advertiser by the court, SA Police will allege Mr Patel “drove a vehicle in a culpably negligent manner, or recklessly, or at a speed or in a manner which was dangerous to any person,” and that driving “caused the death” of Mr Matthews-Burnes.

It is understood Mr Matthews-Burnes, 25, was the father to a young girl and was days away from his 25th birthday when he died.

Tyler Matthews-Burnes died after a collision in North Adelaide. Picture: Facebook

The 24-year-old was a young father. Picture: Facebook

The motorcyclist’s death was the 117th life lost on SA roads in 2023. Picture: 7NEWS

A 23-year-old motorbike rider was killed at the scene. Picture: 7NEWS

At 6.45pm on Sunday, December 31, 2023, police and emergency services were called to the intersection of Robe Tce and Fitzroy Tce after reports of a crash involving a motorcycle and car.

The rider of the motorbike, a 24-year-old Elizabeth East man was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition, where he later died.

The motorcyclist’s death was the 117th life lost on SA roads in 2023.

Prosecutors asked the court for a 14 week adjournment.

Mr Patel was remanded on continuing bail to face court again in June.

A friend of Mr Matthews-Burnes’ launched a fundraiser after the incident to support the family “he leaves behind”, which has already garnered $1,040 of its $5,000 target.

“A beautiful soul taken way too soon in a tragic accident. A son, brother, father and friend.,” the GoFundMe fundraiser read.

“I can’t take away their pain but I may be able to help raise some money for funeral costs and his little girl. Anything will help.”

Originally published as Kunj Patel, 30, charged over North Adelaide crash that killed motorcyclist