Police Commissioner Grant Stevens’ 18-year-old son dies after alleged hit-and-run crash on Friday night during Schoolies
Charlie Stevens, the son of SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, has died in hospital after he was struck in an alleged hit-run crash at Goolwa beach on Friday night.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The son of Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has died in hospital surrounded by his family and friends after becoming the victim of an alleged hit-run accident during the Schoolies festival near Victor Harbor.
The South Australian police community is reeling for the second time in two days after news broke that Charlie Stevens, 18, was struck by a blue Volkswagen in Goolwa on Friday night and was flown to Flinders Medical Centre.
He suffered an irreversible brain injury and was placed on life support.
SA Police said in a statement Charlie passed away in hospital at 7.01pm on Saturday surrounded by family and friends.
“Commissioner Grant Stevens and wife Emma would like to thank all SAPOL staff, first responders and other emergency services workers who attended the incident,” the statement said.
“The Stevens family also wish to thank the wider community for their support during this difficult time.
“In particular the family acknowledge the dedicated staff at the Flinders Medical Centre for their care and support of Charlie and his family and friends.”
Emergency services were called to the incident on Beach Road, Goolwa, about 9pm on Friday night.
Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams broke down during a police conference identifying the victim on Saturday morning.
She said Charlie was “with his family who are waiting for other family members from interstate to arrive.”
WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE
Premier Peter Malinauskas said he spoke to Mr Stevens Saturday morning and extended his support.
“His whole life he has dedicated himself to protecting others, protecting South Australians from evil, protecting us from disease,” he said.
“He has shown extraordinary leadership in some of the most difficult circumstances this state has ever confronted.
“It is just so unfair that he and his family have now had to endure this great tragedy themselves.”
The driver, an 18-year-old from Encounter Bay, did not stop at the scene but police located him a short distance away on Port Elliot Rd at Goolwa.
He was arrested and charged with causing harm by dangerous driving, aggravated driving without due care, leaving the scene of a serious crash and failing to truly answer questions.
He was refused bail and will appear in Christies Beach Magistrates Court on Monday, November 20.
Charlie attended Mercedes College and was a talented junior sportsman, including playing football for Mitcham Hawks. He was working as an apprentice carpenter.
Mischa Reilley, 17, and Alayna Farley, 17, both from Coromandel Valley drove past the incident on their way home to their accommodation on Friday night.
“At first I didn’t think much of it because we had already seen people get arrested by the police in Victor and closer to caravan parks,” said Mischa.
“But then we noticed multiple ambulances and by their numbers we assumed it was something very serious.”
The tragedy came less than 24 hours after Mr Stevens led a press conference in Bordertown announcing the death of Brevet Sergeant Jason Doig, 53, who died from a gunshot wound on a rural property in the nearby district of Senior.
More Coverage
Originally published as Police Commissioner Grant Stevens’ 18-year-old son dies after alleged hit-and-run crash on Friday night during Schoolies
The startling reason a young teacher quit two years into the job
Indiana Russell got into teaching because she loved watching kids learn, but when the job became more about parenting than teaching, she had enough.
Read more
The rainbow candidate: Ex-Greens member running in Black for blue Libs
The Liberal candidate vying to replace David Speirs, who joined the Liberal Party on Friday, has revealed she was previously a member of a different political party.
Read more