Five years after the tragic death of Detective Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan (nee Panayiotou), her family has opened up in an interview to The Advertiser about navigating grief, choosing forgiveness, and honouring her enduring legacy.
Killed on Anzac Day 2020 in a horrific crash caused by Harrison Kitt — later found not guilty by reason of mental incompetence — Joanne’s death shook South Australia and the police community to its core.
Her husband, retired SAPOL officer Peter Shanahan, says he has chosen forgiveness over anger.
“If I didn’t forgive him, then I’m carrying something around with me that he sort of owns of me… I refuse to have that feeling,” he told The Advertiser. “All we have is now, right now.”
Their children, Nick and Eleni, continue to process the loss in their own ways. Nick, now 29, admits he may never fully forgive Kitt, but is committed to living a life his mother would be proud of.
“Mum would not have wanted me just to be a miserable loser for the rest of my life,” Nick said.
Eleni, 27, reflects on how the tragedy changed her perspective.
“If it’s something you want to do, go ahead and do it because who knows what’s going to happen,” Eleni said.
Joanne was a trailblazer within SA Police, the first commissioned officer to return to duty after having children, and a leading figure in domestic violence investigations. Just months before her death, she fronted a press conference urging road safety — a tragic irony not lost on her family.
The impact of Joanne’s death was widely felt. Adelaide landmarks lit up in blue in her honour, while her funeral drew thousands, including Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, who described her as someone who influenced, inspired, motivated and supported so many people.
Peter has since become a board member of SA Police Legacy, sharing his experience to help others navigate loss.
“Everyone has tragedy in their life… you need people around you to help deal with that grief,” Peter said.
The family marks each Anzac Day quietly together, still moved by the flowers placed at the crash site each year.
“It just makes me really happy,” Nick said. “I feel really lucky.”
Joanne’s presence remains constant in their lives — in memories, in conversation, and in the way they choose to live.
“She’s alive for as long as we talk about her and love her and think about her,” Peter said. “She’s in our hearts.”
Source: The Advertiser
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