Source : Perth Now news
A much-loved teenage footballer and apprentice has died after being hit by two vehicles on Adelaide’s Hindley St, reigniting calls for urgent safety changes on the city’s busiest nightlife strip.
Campbell Thorp, 18, from Greenwith in Adelaide’s northeast, was struck by one car about 10.50pm on Saturday night before falling into the path of another 4WD.
He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries a short time later.
His death has sent shockwaves through the Tea Tree Gully District Football Club, where he was being remembered as part of a family with deep ties to the club and the wider community.
“It is with immense sadness that the Tea Tree Gully District Football Club acknowledges the tragic passing of Campbell Thorp,” the club said in a statement.
“Campbell was part of a family that has given so much to our football club over many years.
“The Thorp family are highly respected and valued members of our community, and our hearts go out to them during this unimaginable time.”
The club said players, coaches, volunteers, members and friends had all been affected by the loss, adding that the news would be felt across its entire football family.
It said it would continue supporting Campbell’s family and club members through the aftermath of the tragedy.
Campbell was also a first-year carpentry apprentice with Adelaide Training & Employment Centre, which described his death as “a heartbreaking loss”.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Campbell’s family, friends, workmates, the Haywood Co. team, and everyone whose lives he touched,” the organisation said.
“At times like these, we are reminded of the importance of supporting one another. We encourage everyone in our ATEC community to be kind to themselves and those around them as we come to terms with this tragic loss.
“Campbell will be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing and training alongside him. He will be greatly missed.”
Investigators examined the scene for hours after the crash, with Hindley St closed until about 2.15am on Sunday during one of its busiest periods.
The fatal collision has also renewed scrutiny of safety on Hindley St, where concerns about vehicle access during peak nightlife hours have been raised before.
Adelaide City Council has already set aside funding for upgrades to the street by 2030, but councillor Mary Couros said action can’t wait that long.
She has called for bollards to be installed and for the strip to be closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday nights, arguing the area needs an urgent safety overhaul.
