Nat Barr overwhelmed by Police Commissioner's heartbreaking letter to his fallen son
Nat Barr broke down live on Sunrise after hearing the heartbreaking letter from grieving police commissioner Grant Stevens, who lost his son just days ago in an alleged hit and run during schoolies.
Charlie Stevens, 18, died on Saturday night surrounded by friends and family in Goolwa, 90km southeast of Adelaide, just a day after he celebrated finishing high school.
Charlie's parents penned a letter to their youngest son, with the purpose of introducing South Australians to the 101st life lost on the state’s roads this year.
On Tuesday morning, Matt Shirvington read an excerpt of the letter, and both hosts were equally emotional, with Shirvington's voice breaking at one point.
“I am writing this sitting in a bedroom with dirty clothes on the floor, an unmade bed, six drinking glasses lined up on the bedside table, an empty KFC box next to the glasses, wardrobe doors left open and a row of skateboards leaning on the wall – it is a mess and it’s perfect. This is where 101 lived,” the letter read.
“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.
“Son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin, friends, workmate, teammate. So much more than just a number on a tragic tally.”
His heartbroken parents described him as a "Cheeky, intense and funny" boy, who was loveable from the moment he could talk.
"He was as frustrating as hell, but he was also the kid who would look after others, befriend the lonely, and help those who were struggling,” they added.
“Intensity shone through as 101 committed 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 all.”
His parents also shared stories about their son's passion for his work as an apprentice carpenter.
“ … On a good day, we would be lucky to see 101 for half an hour between him getting home from work and heading out with his mates, but it was enough," they wrote.
After sharing the emotional tribute, Nat Barr was choking back tears and had to cut to an ad break.
The letter comes after the 18-year-old driver accused of being behind the wheel during the alleged hit-and-run was granted bail.
On Monday, three witnesses stated in court that the driver performed a U-turn and hit Charlie, who was waiting for the Schoolies shuttle bus to take him and his friends to Victor Harbor from Goolwa Beach.
It is alleged that the 18-year-old was speeding and travelling on the wrong side of the road before hitting Charlie.
Another witness from inside the car said that a group of young men were on the west side of the road, partially on the footpath, and that there was a single male on the other side.
She told the court that the male on the east side ran across the road and into the incoming car.
The driver allegedly drove a short distance before calling his mum and asking her if he should turn himself in or call the police, before he was arrested.
He was granted bail, with the condition that he forfeits his passport, live with his mum, and set aside $15,000 as a guarantee.
Images: SA Police/ Channel 7