Tributes are pouring in for a community-loving family killed in a horrific, fiery collision in the Gold Coast hinterland.
Christopher Fawcett, 79, Susan Zimmer, 70, and their daughter Stephanie, 35, all died at the scene of the Bonogin crash on Friday, 30 December.
The family were travelling along Bonogin Road around 5pm when they were struck by a black Mercedes wagon, forcing their vehicle from the road and into a power pole.
Susan’s daughter, Claudine Snow, has told Nine News she’s heartbroken.
“My mum was my best friend, and I sometimes forget and I go to call her to ask what to do and I realise she’s gone,”
“They should be remembered as beautiful people, and they loved their community. I couldn’t get my mum to move from Bonogin.”
Ms Snow has described the tragedy as “senseless”.
Police are yet to speak to the soul survivor of the crash, NRL star Payne Haas’s mother, who was allegedly behind the wheel of the black Mercedes wagon.
It’s alleged 46-year-old Joan Taufua was driving on a suspended licence at the time, due to a lengthy infringement history.
Queensland Police allege the vehicle was driving erratically and failed to stop for police in the moments leading up to the tragedy.
“Police activated their vehicle’s warning lights and attempted to intercept the vehicle, however it allegedly fled the scene,” a QPS statement reads.
“At no time was any pursuit undertaken.”
Ms Taufua remains at the Gold Coast University Hospital recovering from her injuries.
Police are awaiting medical clearance from the hospital to commence an interview.
The Forensic Crash Unit will investigate the circumstances of the collision and appeal for witnesses, especially those with dashcam vision or CCTV of the crash, or the moments leading up to it to come forward.
The Ethical Standards Command is also investigating the incident.
