South Australia police commissioner Grant Stevens has penned a heartfelt tribute to his son Charlie, who was killed in an alleged hit and run.
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The 18-year-old was Mr Stevens and wife Emma's youngest of five children, and the 101st life lost on South Australian roads in 2023.
"I am writing this sitting in a bedroom with dirty clothes on the floor... it is a mess and it is perfect," Mr Stevens wrote.
"This is where 101 lived."
But Mr Stevens said Charlie was "so much more than just a number on a tragic tally".
"101 is Charles Hinchcliffe Stevens - Charlie, Charlie Boy, Chas, Links, Steve.
"You were a force of nature and we will never forget your beautiful, cheeky, disarming smile."
The two-page statement was shared by Premier Peter Malinauskas and South Australia Police on November 21.
Mr Stevens described Charlie as a "lovable ratbag from the moment he could talk".
"He was frustrating as hell, but he was also the kid who would look after others, befriend the lonely and help those who were struggling."
The young apprentice was "cheeky, intense and funny", loved footy and his mates, and "hated cheese because his brother did", Mr Stevens said.
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The commissioner's son sustained an irreversible brain injury after he was allegedly hit by a car about 9pm on November 17, during schoolies celebrations in Goolwa, about 90km southeast of Adelaide.
He died surrounded by family and friends on November 18 in an Adelaide hospital.
Police have charged Dhirren Randhawa, 18, with causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated driving without due care, leaving the scene of a crash after causing death and failing to truly answer questions.
He was released on bail and is due to appear in Adelaide Magistrates' Court in March.
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