- Relatives of man killed in crash sue Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua
- Three people died in a two-car collision in December 2022
- Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua is the mother of Broncos forward Payne Haas
The mother of Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas has been hit with two lawsuits from the family of one of the people who died in a car crash involving a vehicle she was driving in 2022.
Uiatu “Joan” Taufua was the sole survivor of a two-car collision at Bonogin, in the Gold Coast hinterland, on December 30, 2022.
The second car, a silver Mercedes, was carrying Susan Zimmer, 70, her partner Chris Fawcett, 79, and Zimmer’s daughter, Steffanie, 35.
All three died in the terrible accident.
Following the crash, Ms Taufau, 48, was charged with three counts of manslaughter, as well as one count of dangerous driving of a motor vehicle, evading police and driving without a licence.
She was later charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in March 2023.
Now, News Corporation reveals that two of Mr Fawcett’s sons have filed claims in the High Court against Taufua and insurer AAI.
Both claims were filed in August, but details of the claims are currently being kept secret.
Payne Haas’ mother, Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua (pictured during a court appearance), has been served with two lawsuits by the family of one of the people who died in a car crash for which she has been criminally charged.
Pictured: Emergency services attend the aftermath of the crash in Taufua, which killed Susan Zimmer, 70, her partner Chris Fawcett, 79, and Zimmer’s daughter Steffanie.
Mr Fawcett’s children posted on social media about the loss of their father shortly after the tragic accident.
“We wish we had had the chance to see you to say goodbye and feel cheated that your visit was so close,” they wrote.
‘We are deeply saddened that we have missed this opportunity to spend time with him and that we will never be able to see him again.
‘We are grateful for the recent phone conversations and for Susie finally teaching Dad how to use text messaging, which has allowed us to have much more contact over the past year.
‘He played online chess with his younger grandchildren and unfortunately the last game was left unfinished.
Chris Fawcett’s children have filed lawsuits in the High Court against Taufua
Payne Haas (pictured carrying the ball for New South Wales in the second game of this year’s State of Origin series) has pushed ahead with his football despite the serious charges facing his mother.
‘We sincerely hope that Dad is at peace and finding comfort with his daughter Edyn, who earned her angel wings as a child, and his partner Susie.’
Lawyers for Payne Haas’ mother are also helping his father as he faces a possible death penalty after being arrested in the Philippines for alleged drug trafficking.
Gregor Haas, 47, was arrested in May for an alleged ice smuggling plot linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel.