Goolwa Beach Collision – Statement from Deputy Commissioner of Police

Today, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Linda Williams gave an update about a serious crash at Goolwa Beach overnight.

About 9pm last night, emergency services were called to Beach Road after a pedestrian was struck by a car.

The pedestrian was 18 year old Charlie Stevens – the son of Commissioner Grant Stevens and his wife Emma.

Charlie sustained an irreversible brain injury, and he is on life support. He is with his family who are waiting for other family members from interstate to arrive.

As you can imagine this is a very difficult statement for me to deliver. I wish to offer my condolences to Grant, Emma and the family as well as the wider community, including Charlie’s friends and work mates.

We always talk about this happening to other people, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone, any family or any community. The sense of grief is always enormous. I ask that you respect the privacy of those grieving at this time.

Charlie and Grant Stevens
Charlie Stevens

The car involved in the collision did not stop at the scene but was located by police a short distance away on Port Elliot Road at Goolwa.

The driver of that car, alleged offender is an 18 year old male who has been charged with:

  • drive dangerous cause serious harm,
  • aggravated due care,
  • leave scene of accident.

Any witnesses asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The events yesterday have had a profound effect on South Australia Police and the community. The efforts of our staff yesterday, throughout last night and today have been courageous. Whilst they are all feeling the effects of these dreadful circumstances, they are uniting to support each other.

We appreciate the support and the love that we feel from the community.

Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams and Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas speak to media.

/Public Release. View in full here.