Family killed in Gold Coast hinterland crash identified
A woman whose mother, sister and stepfather died in a horror crash in the Gold Coast Hinterland involving Payne Haas’ mum has revealed her anguish at their loss.
A retired Gold Coast woman, her doctor partner and her adult daughter have been identified as the victims of
a shocking hinterland car crash that has left the
mother of Broncos star Payne Haas in hospital with serious injuries.
Uiatu “Joan” Taufua remains in Gold Coast University Hospital with significant wounds including multiple fractures, internal injuries and bruised lungs as the sole survivor of the
horror crash at Bonogin on Friday night.
The three people in the other car, who tragically died at the scene, have been identified as Susan Zimmer, 70, her partner Chris Fawcett, 79, and Ms Zimmer’s daughter Stephanie, 35.
Ms Zimmer and Mr Fawcett, a former skin cancer specialist, had lived together at a peaceful acreage property at Bonogin, while her adult daughter lived at nearby Mudgeeraba.
Susan Zimmer’s daughter Claudine Snow visited the scene of the crash on Saturday afternoon with her two children after travelling from her home in northern NSW.
Ms Snow spoke of her devastation at the loss of her family.
‘My mum, she was my best friend and I’ll never be the same again,” she told the Nine Network while choking back tears.
“My sister was intellectually disable but could light up a room and make the coldest of hearts laugh. She was incredible
‘Chris was a doctor, he saved so many lives.”
Mrs Snow, who has already endured crippling injury and a cancer diagnosis for her young daughter that saw her lose an eye in recent years, also took to social media to express her devastation.
“Rest in peace my beautiful mumma bear, my sister who I loved so dearly,” she wrote on Facebook.
“I loved you both to the ends of the earth and always will.
“I will never be the same again.”
Mrs Snow endured several rounds of spinal surgery in recent years after suffering a crippling injury, while her young daughter lost an eye to an aggressive cancer but survived.
The young girl was with her as she erected a roadside shrine from the piles of flowers left at the scene of the crash on Saturday night.
No charges have been laid but police allege Ms Taufua was seen driving erratically a short time before the crash and allegedly sped off when a patrol car attempted to intercept her.
No pursuit was launched, but the officers were flagged down by a passing motorist just minutes later alerting them to the horrific scene unfolding down the road.
Acting Chief Superintendent Christopher Stream said Ms Taufua was still in hospital on Sunday morning.
“Police have been checking with the hospital with regards to that,” he said.
“The female driver (Ms Taufua) of that vehicle sustained significant injuries as well, and as of yet police don’t have a medical clearance to interview that female driver.
“But as soon as we possibly can, that driver will be interviewed.”
Ms Zimmer grew up between northern NSW and the Gold Coast and was a qualified accountant who had worked with her partner before they retired.
A family friend said they were “lovely people”.
“Sue was always so friendly and happy,” she said.
The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the crash.
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