Young Aussie dies in tragic accident while on a night out with his mates

By SARAH BROOKES - SENIOR REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 01:07, 3 August 2026 | Updated: 01:24, 3 August 2026 An 18-year-old footballer celebrating a night out with friends was killed after being hit by two vehicles on Adelaide's notorious party strip, with horrified revellers forced to watch the tragedy unfold before their eyes. Campbell Thorp, 18, from Adelaide's northern suburbs, died after he was struck by two vehicles on Hindley Street at about 10.50pm on Saturday. The talented footballer from Greenwith was first hit by a Toyota sedan before falling into the path of a Ford four-wheel drive. He suffered catastrophic injuries and died a short time later at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Friends paid tribute to the teenager on Sunday night, describing the tragedy as devastating. Mr Thorp, who is understood to have attended a prominent Adelaide college, had recently turned 18 and was enjoying a night out with a large group of friends when disaster struck. 'It is devastating,' one friend told The Advertiser. Campbell Thorp (pictured) had only just turned 18 when the tragedy unfolded Campbell died shortly after in the Royal Adelaide Hospital from his catastrophic injuries 'We're just trying to wrap our arms around everyone.' The tragedy has renewed calls for tougher traffic restrictions on Adelaide's best-known nightlife strip. Adelaide City Council has earmarked funding to upgrade Hindley Street by 2030, but councillor Mary Couros said urgent action was needed now. She called for bollards to be installed and for the street to be closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday nights. 'We want our youth to be safe on this street,' she said. Councillor Couros said the council was investigating a range of measures, including pedestrian safety improvements, extended pavements, and better access for Uber and taxi drivers. Witness Hayley Eylward said police struggled to keep large crowds back after emergency services rushed to the scene outside the nearby police station. Hindley Street was closed for more than three hours during one of its busiest periods while Major Crash investigators examined the scene. The road reopened shortly after 2.15am on Sunday. Anyone who witnessed the crash and has not yet spoken to police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers and quote reference number 200379.