Top cop whose son died on schoolies trip gets heartwarming news months after tragic death

A police chief whose teenage son was killed in an alleged collision while at Schoolies has shared heartwarming news.

Charlie Stevens, 18, the son of South Australian police boss Grant Stevens, was killed during the end of school celebration in Goolwa last November.

The close-knit family was devastated by the death of their youngest son, with Commissioner Stevens sharing an emotional letter in the aftermath of his sudden death, describing him as a “force of nature” and “so much more than just a number in a row.” ‘.

Last week they welcomed a new member to the family, with Charlie’s sister Sophie giving birth to her second child.

Annabelle Charlie Tregloen was born at Ashford Hospital on March 13 – her middle name was a tribute to her late uncle.

Last week, Charlie’s sister Sophie gave birth to her second child and paid tribute to her brother by naming her Annabelle Charlie Tregloen (pictured)

The family also celebrated the arrival of Charlie’s cousin Abby Price’s son, whom they named Dusty Charles in honor of one of the many nicknames the 18-year-old had acquired throughout his life.

Commissioner Stevens told the Advertiser that the two babies have brought so much joy to the family after a difficult few months.

“It’s overwhelming,” he said.

‘Two beautiful little babies who now have a legacy they probably won’t appreciate, but it means so much to everyone in the family.

“Charlie would definitely put miles on it.”

THOUSANDS GATHER FOR FAREWELL

Charlie was farewelled at a funeral service at the Adelaide Oval in December, which alternated between tears and laughter as the thousand mourners remembered the larger-than-life personality.

In delivering the eulogy at this funeral, Commissioner Stevens said, “Charlie, your mother and I love you. We are devastated that you were taken from us so quickly.

“We said you were a force of nature, full of energy, unstoppable. Unforgettable.

“We are heartbroken (but) we can’t think of you without smiling.

“We’ve missed you every day since we said goodbye and we’ll miss you forever, Charlie boy.”

Mr Stevens said the birth of his granddaughter and nephew brought so much joy to the family after a difficult few months (Photo: Mr Stevens and his wife Emma speak at their son’s funeral service)

Commissioner Stevens’ voice broke as he looked at Charlie’s friends and thanked them for being with the family in their time of grief.

“It means a lot to us that Charlie’s friends have spent so much time with us since we lost him,” he said.

“It warmed our hearts that that group of boys was just in our home.”

THE LETTER

A shockwave of pain swept South Australia and heartache swept the country following the release of a public letter from Charlie’s parents just days after his death, in which they named their son ‘101’.

‘I’m writing this as I sit in a bedroom with dirty clothes on the floor, an unmade bed, six drinking glasses in a row on the bedside table, an empty KFC box next to the glasses, cupboard doors left open and a row of skateboards leaning on the wall – it’s a mess and it’s perfect. This is where 101 lived,” Mr Stevens wrote.

Mr Stevens shared an emotional letter following his son’s sudden death, describing him as a ‘force of nature’ and ‘so much more than just a number in a row’ (pictured, Charlie Stevens)

‘Bold, intense and funny – a lovable ratbag from the moment he could talk. He was frustrating as hell, but he was also the kid who would care for others, befriend the lonely, and help those who were struggling.

‘The intensity radiated from there as 101 committed himself to each new passion – Lego, BBL, scooters, footy, cricket, basketball, surfing, downhilling, Fortnight and his skateboard – it was all or nothing and it was always everything.’

‘101 is Charles Stevens – Charlie, Charlie Boy, Chas, Links, Steve. You lived life and gave so much to so many. You were a force of nature and we will never forget your beautiful cheeky, disarming smile.