A driver has been charged after a 17-year-old died when the car he was travelling in crashed into a fence at the Edinburgh RAAF Base in Adelaide's north on Tuesday night.
SA Police said patrols had tried to stop a Holden Commodore subject to a defect notice on Petherton Road in Andrews Farm just after 9:30pm, but the driver failed to stop.
SA Police said officers did not pursue the vehicle and lost sight of it.
A few minutes later, police and emergency crews were called to the RAAF Base Edinburgh on Andrews Road at Penfield, after the same car had crashed into a fence.
Police said three people were seen running from the car and a passenger was found lying on the ground next to the Holden.
The 17-year-old, of Craigmore, was rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital but died a short time later.
He was later named by his school, Trinity College, as year 12 student Atem Kuany.
Patrols, with the assistance of PolAir and RAAF personnel, searched the base and found the three people allegedly seen running from the car.
The alleged driver, a 16-year-old from Craigmore, was arrested and treated at the Lyell McEwin Hospital for minor injuries.
He has faced the Elizabeth Youth Court charged with aggravated cause death by dangerous driving, leaving the scene of a serious crash and several other traffic offences.
He did not apply for bail and would be remanded in custody until he appears in court next month.
The other two passengers, a 21-year-old man from Melton in Victoria and an 18-year-old woman from Elizabeth South, were both taken to the Lyell McEwin Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Atem's death was the 53rd life lost on South Australian roads this year.
School 'devastated' at death
In a letter sent out today, Trinity College headmaster Nick Hately said the school community was "devastated" to hear of Atem's death.
"Our support, thoughts and prayers go out to his family members who are an integral part of our college," Mr Hately said.
"Atem was a charismatic and popular student. Teachers describe him as a gifted writer with big plans for running his own business in the future.
"He embraced opportunities enthusiastically in our football and basketball teams and was known by many.
"This sad and tragic event is the nightmare of every parent. Our prayers go out to all, and especially to those providing support."
Mr Hately said support was being offered to students and staff.
