Parents Pay Touching Tribute to Slain Teen and Organ Donor Charlie Stevens in Emotional Ceremony

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Charlie Stevens, the 18-year-old son of South Australia Police Assistant Commissioner Grant Stevens, was tragically killed in an alleged hit-and-run incident while celebrating Schoolies earlier this month. During a twilight service at Adelaide Oval’s William Magarey Room, Charlie’s parents, along with his siblings and friends, delivered heartfelt tributes to their beloved son.

Assistant Commissioner Grant Stevens spoke about his son’s caring nature and generosity, revealing that Charlie was an organ donor. He described Charlie as someone who genuinely cared about people and was known for his big heart and smile. Mr. Stevens said that his son may not have been an angel, but he was a good boy with a big personality and a good soul. He emphasized Charlie’s generosity, which extended to his decision to become an organ donor when he got his driver’s license.

Expressing their devastation over the loss, Mr. Stevens told Charlie that he and his wife, Emma, loved him and would always miss him. He described Charlie as a force of nature, full of energy and unstoppable, but also someone who brought smiles to their faces. The tribute highlighted Charlie’s unique qualities and his cheeky nature, which his older brother, Tom, fondly recalled. Tom described Charlie as his best friend, biggest rival, and number one fan, mentioning his ability to push his buttons and entertain everyone around him.

Mr. Stevens shared anecdotes about Charlie’s passion for building and fixing things, recounting how they gifted him a real hammer and cordless drill when he was just three years old. He spoke of Charlie’s love for using tools and how he even replaced a broken wardrobe door with one from the backyard cubby house. The memorial service was officiated by family friend and Adelaide television presenter Tom Rehn, who described Charlie as a dedicated and hardworking friend.

Charlie’s tragic death has deeply affected his friends, who have been a source of support for his family. Mr. Stevens expressed gratitude for the time Charlie’s friends spent with them, emphasizing their importance in Charlie’s life and how much he respected and liked each of them. The memorial service concluded with Charlie’s casket placed on a stage adorned with blue and white flowers.

The Stevens family asked the public to donate to Operation Flinders in lieu of flowers and encouraged others to consider organ donation. The South Australian government announced a donation of $100,000 to Operation Flinders in honor of Charlie’s memory. Operation Flinders runs programs for young people, offering them the opportunity to experience Indigenous culture, bushcraft, and personal growth.

The teenage driver accused of causing Charlie’s death has been identified as 18-year-old Dhirren Randhawa. Randhawa allegedly did not stop at the scene of the accident but was later pulled over by police and arrested. He has been charged with causing harm by dangerous driving, aggravated driving without due care, leaving the scene of a serious crash, and failing to answer questions truthfully. Randhawa was released from custody on Monday but is prohibited from contacting the four eye witnesses to the case, including his high school sweetheart, Montana Rose Bowd.

As the community mourns the loss of Charlie Stevens, his family is focusing on regrouping and moving forward without their beloved son. Through their heartfelt tributes and the outpouring of support from the public, it is evident that Charlie’s memory will forever be cherished and his impact will be remembered..