A teenage reveller from Adelaide’s northern suburbs has died after a horror double car crash on the city’s busiest party strip while on a night out with his “devastated” mates.
In what friends described as “every parent’s worst nightmare”, Campbell Thorp, 18, was struck by two cars at 10.50pm on Saturday as dozens of partygoers, and his friends, watched in horror.
The teen, a talented footballer from Greenwith, in the northeastern suburbs, was first hit by a Toyota sedan before he fell into the path of a Ford four-wheel-drive.
He died shortly after in the Royal Adelaide Hospital from his catastrophic injuries.
Friends paid tribute on Sunday night to the young man, who is understood to have attended a prominent Adelaide college.
They said he had recently turned 18 and was enjoying an innocent night out with his wide group of friends.
“It is devastating,” one said. “It is all still pretty raw.
“We’re just trying to wrap our arms around everyone.”
His death sparked calls for further traffic restrictions along Adelaide’s most popular party precinct.
President of the Tea Tree Gully Football Club Shaun Power said Campbell was a remarkable young man who left a lasting impression on so many.
“Campbell was part of a family that has given so much to our football club over many years,” Mr Power said.
“The Thorp family are highly respected and valued members of our community, and our hearts go out to them during this unimaginable time.
“He lived with a genuine zest for life, embracing every moment with enthusiasm, courage and kindness.
“Campbell and his family are the epitome of what community means. His mates were like brothers to him, and his love for football was unwavering. Whether on the field or off, he gave everything he had and inspired those around him through his passion, loyalty and determination.”
More than 50 of Campbell’s teammates are grieving following the news, with the talented midfielder only recently turning 18.
“His infectious smile could light up any room, and his caring nature made him someone people genuinely loved being around. He had a way of bringing people together and embodied the values our football club strives to represent,” Mr Power said.
“As a club, we are deeply saddened by this loss. Many of our players, coaches, volunteers, members and friends have been impacted, and we know this tragedy will be felt across our entire football family for a long time to come.
“While we mourn the loss of an exceptional young man, we also celebrate a life defined by family, friendship, community and football. Campbell’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the memories shared by those who knew and loved him.
“The Tea Tree Gully District Football Club will continue to support the Thorp family and everyone affected in any way we can.
“He will be deeply missed, forever remembered and never forgotten.”
The Advertiser also understands Campbell was part of the Central Districts development squad.
Campbell was also a first-year apprentice carpenter, with Adelaide Training and Employment Centre also paying tribute on Monday.
“His passing is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Campbell’s family, friends, workmates, the Haywood Co. team, and everyone whose lives he touched,” the tribute posted to Facebook read.
“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.” Hindley St was closed for more than three hours during its busiest period while investigators examined the scene up until 2.15am Sunday and the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
Adelaide City Council has set aside funding to upgrade the street by 2030. But one councillor, Mary Couros, said it required an urgent safety overhaul.
She called for installing bollards and closing the street to traffic on Friday and Saturday nights. “We want our youth to be safe on this street,” she said.
She said the council was investigating measures such as pedestrian safety, pavement extension and more accessibility for Uber and taxi drivers.
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said: “This young man had his whole life ahead of him.
“The government’s working with the council to try and see what we can do about these unnecessary pedestrian fatalities (on Hindley St).”
Anyone who witnessed the crash and hasn’t yet spoken with police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000 and quote #200379.