A woman who tragically lost several family members days after Christmas in a horror crash involving the mother of NRL star Payne Haas has broken her silence as the first anniversary of the shocking incident quickly approaches.
Uiatu 'Joan' Taufua, the mother of Broncos forward Payne Haas, is charged with three counts of manslaughter, with one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, evading police and driving without a license.
She was the sole survivor of a two-car collision in Bonogin, in the Gold Coast hinterland, on December 30, 2022.
The three people in the second car – Susan Zimmer, 70, her partner Chris Fawcett, 79, and Ms Zimmer's 35-year-old daughter Steffanie – each died at the scene.
Uiatu 'Joan' Taufua (left) has been charged with three counts of manslaughter over the fatal crash (pictured, right) in December 2022
Claudine Snow (photo) lost her sister and mother in the accident just after Christmas last year
Outside court on Thursday, Claudine Snow – Susan and Steffanie's daughter and sister – thanked the community for their continued support since the crash.
“I just wanted to thank you for the public support and I will make a comment if necessary,” she said, flanked by her family.
Thanks for everyone's support. Thank you'.
Police allege Ms Taufua was driving under the influence when her black 2017 Mercedes car was involved in the fatal crash.
Lawyer Martin Longhurst, acting on behalf of Ms Taufau's Sydney-based law firm Kings Law, told the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday that a further adjournment of the case was necessary.
Steffanie Zimmer, 35, and her mother Susan Zimmer, 70, died in the car crash at Bonogin in the Gold Coast hinterland
Uatu's son Payne Haas (pictured) played for the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia and is rated as one of the best players in the world
Mr Longhurst said the NSW forensic psychologist appointed by Kings Law to write a medical report for Ms Taufau had not yet been allowed into prison due to administrative delays.
“There are significant benefits to obtaining a pre-commitment report,” Mr Longhurst said.
The court previously heard that Ms Taufau's lawyers arranged for her to undergo medical tests after raising concerns about her health.
Magistrate Kerry Magee adjourned the case until March 21 next year so the report can be completed.
She wondered if there was any indication of how Ms Taufua's lawyers intended to proceed with the case, as “the case just doesn't make any sense here.”
Mr Longhurst told the court that Kings Law is waiting for the medical report to be completed before proceeding.
Ms Taufua did not appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday as she is on remand at the Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre.
She has yet to enter formal pleas.
Chris Fawcett also died in the crash, with Taufua also charged with evading police
Taufua, 46, remains in custody and failed to appear before the Southport Magistrates Court
Police allege Ms Taufua was driving 'dangerously' along Bonogin Rd near Calanthe Lane just before 5pm on the same afternoon as the fatal crash.
She was chased by police before reportedly fleeing the scene when officers activated their hazard lights and attempted to intercept her car.
It will be argued in court that officers did not pursue Ms Taufua.
Moments later, officers received a report of an accident involving the two cars about a kilometer away.
Emergency services were able to free the family of three from their silver Mercedes, but they all died at the scene.
Ms Taufua was pulled from her black Mercedes, which caught fire.
She was taken to hospital but was later arrested by police.