Kunj Patel, 30, pleads not guilty to causing Tyler Matthew-Burnes’ death
A driver accused of causing the death of a beloved young dad on New Year’s Eve has answered his charges in court.
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A driver accused of causing the death of a beloved son and friend has told a court he’s not responsible for the crime.
Kunj Kantilal Patel, 30, was supported by friends in the gallery as he told the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday he was not guilty of killing Tyler Matthew-Burnes at a crash on New Year's Eve last year.
He has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, and also with the lesser offence of aggravated driving without due care, but pleaded not guilty to both charges.
From the back of the courtroom, Tyler’s family expressed sighs of disappointment as the charges were read.
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, 24, was the father to a young girl and was days away from his 25th birthday when he died.
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.
Mr Patel was remanded on continuing bail to face court again in November.
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.”
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Originally published as Kunj Patel, 30, pleads not guilty to causing Tyler Matthew-Burnes’ death
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