Mercedes College pays tribute to former students Charlie Stevens and Jason Doig
The principal broke the sad news over the weekend that both Charlie Stevens and Jason Doig were part of their school community.
SA News
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Charlie Stevens’ former school Mercedes College is in shock after the popular student was killed in an alleged hit-run – and has revealed slain police officer Jason Doig also graduated there.
Charlie, 18, the son of Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, died in an alleged hit-run on Thursday night in Goolwa while celebrating Schoolies.
Encounter Bay man Dhirren Randawa, also 18, was arrested not far away and appeared in court on Monday, charged with a range of driving offences including causing death by dangerous driving, where he was given bail
Mercedes College principal Andrew Balkwill said he had shared the sad news with his school community at the weekend.
“While Charlie left Mercedes College in 2022 to pursue a carpentry apprenticeship, he remained closely connected to his friends and peers,” Mr Balkwill said.
“On behalf of Mercedes College and our wider community, I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Mr Balkwill said his school’s “close-knit community” was further saddened by the death of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, while on duty for SA Police.
He said Mr Doig had graduated from the Catholic college in 1988.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with his family, friends, and colleagues,” Mr Balkwill said.
Mr Doig was shot when a call-out to a farmhouse in Senior, in the state’s South-East, turned violent.
He died, and Sergeant Michael Hutchinson was seriously injured, while the alleged shooter, Jaydn Stimson, was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Mr Stimson appeared in court on Monday on speakerphone from his hospital bed, charged with murder and attempted murder.
Mr Balkwill said family resources about grief and loss were being made available to the college’s families, and the college had brought in two specialist counsellors on Monday as well.
“Our chapel is always open for our community, likewise our Courtyard, providing a welcoming space for connection and calm.
“Teaching and support staff at Mercedes College, as well as their family members, have year-round 24/7 access to our employee assistance program inclusive of grief counselling.
“Today we have two specialist counsellors on campus also.
“In dealing with these tragic deaths, we need to remember the value and dignity of life.
“Please keep Charlie and Jason in your hearts and prayers.
I also ask you to remember their families, respect their right to privacy, and pray they are comforted and strengthened during this difficult time.”
Mercedes College is a reception-to-year 12 Catholic College in Springfield.
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Originally published as Mercedes College pays tribute to former students Charlie Stevens and Jason Doig
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