Fresh twist facing NRL star’s mum over horror crash that claimed three lives

The mother of Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas has been hit with two lawsuits from the family of one of the people killed in a car accident involving a vehicle she was driving in 2022.

Uiatu ‘Joan’ Taufua was the sole survivor of a two-car collision in Bonogin in the Gold Coast hinterland on December 30, 2022.

Susan Zimmer, 70, her partner Chris Fawcett, 79, and Ms Zimmer’s 35-year-old daughter Steffanie were travelling in the second car, a silver Mercedes.

All three were killed in the horror crash.

Following the crash, Ms Taufau, 48, was charged with three counts of manslaughter, as well as one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, evading police and driving without a licence.

She was later charged with mid-range drink-driving in March 2023.

Now, News Corp reveals that two of Mr Fawcett’s children have lodged claims in the Supreme Court against Taufua and the insurer AAI.

Both claims were lodged in August, but details of them are at this stage under wraps.

Pictured: Emergency services attend the aftermath of the crash involving Taufua, which killed Susan Zimmer, 70, her partner Chris Fawcett, 79, and Ms Zimmer’s daughter Steffanie

Mr Fawcett’s children posted on social media about losing their dad shortly after the tragic accident.

‘We wish we’d had a chance to see you to say goodbye and feel cheated as your visit was so near,’ they wrote.

‘We are deeply saddened that we just missed this opportunity to spend time with him and will never be able to see him again.

‘We feel grateful for the recent phone conversations and for Susie teaching Dad how to finally use text messaging, which enabled us much more contact over the last year.

‘He played chess online with his youngest grandchildren and unfortunately the latest game remains unfinished.

Chris Fawcett’s children have lodged claims in the Supreme Court against Taufua

Payne Haas (pictured carrying the ball for NSW in game two of this year’s State of Origin series) has soldiered on with his footy despite the serious charges his mum is facing

‘We dearly hope that Dad is at peace and finding comfort with his daughter Edyn, who gained 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 over an alleged ice smuggling plot linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel.