October 10, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A small farming community in northern New South Wales is mourning the death of 11-year-old Leighton Stevens, who died in a single-vehicle rollover on Thursday morning, October 9, 2025.

Emergency services were called to Girraween Road in Graman, approximately 50km northwest of Inverell, around 11:00 am after reports a ute had crashed. Leighton, believed to have been driving the vehicle at the time, was treated by paramedics but tragically died at the scene. Another 11-year-old boy who was in the vehicle was airlifted to Lismore Base Hospital in a serious condition.

It is understood the pair were travelling to a nearby family paddock when the ute swerved to avoid a cow that had wandered onto the road.

“Leighton was a cheeky, fun loving country kid who loved fishing, farming, footy, hunting and most of all, family.” — GoFundMe tribute

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025 (approximately 11:00 am)
  • Location: Girraween Road, Graman, northwest of Inverell, New South Wales

Vehicles Involved

  • Utility vehicle (ute) carrying two 11-year-old boys, one deceased, one seriously injured

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatality:
    • 11-year-old boy, identified as **Leighton Stevens**, pronounced dead at the scene.
  • Serious Injuries:
    • 11-year-old male passenger, airlifted to Lismore Base Hospital in serious condition.

Emergency Response

  • Emergency services responded to Girraween Road at approximately 11:00 am after reports of a ute rollover.
  • Paramedics treated both children at the scene; Leighton died from his injuries while the second child was airlifted for further treatment.
  • NSW Police established a crime scene and are investigating the cause of the crash.

“While under the legal driving age, it is common practice for young children to learn how to drive on private regional properties.” — Daily Telegraph report

Police Investigation
NSW Police are investigating:

  • The circumstances surrounding the ute leaving the roadway and rolling.
  • Whether the vehicle swerved to avoid an animal or another obstruction.
  • Possible contributing factors including road conditions, visibility, and speed.
  • The ownership and registration of the vehicle and location of the crash relative to private property boundaries.

Community Impact
The tragedy has devastated the tight-knit Graman community, home to just over 100 residents. A GoFundMe page described Leighton as “the heart of our little Graman community” and a “true role model” for younger children.

The Warialda Wombats Junior Rugby League Football Club, where Leighton played, shared emotional tributes remembering him as a kind-hearted and passionate player who always supported his teammates. Locals have rallied to support the family amid what they describe as “unimaginable loss.”

“Leighton was a pleasure to have around the junior league fields. We hope you’ve found yourself a footy field up there, mate.” — Warialda Wombats Junior Rugby League Football Club

Appeal for Information
Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information about the vehicle’s movements before the incident to contact:

  • Crime Stoppers NSW: Call 1800 333 000 or submit online via [www.crimestoppers.com.au](https://www.crimestoppers.com.au)
  • Witness Reporting: Contact Inverell Police or the local NSW Police District directly.