The brother of Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas has made a miraculous recovery after being left in a critical condition following a drug overdose that claimed another man’s life.
Zeda Haas, 19, was one of three men rushed to hospital after paramedics were called to separate addresses at Gaven and Arundel early Sunday morning after what sources said was a suspected overdose on the powerful drug GHB, or fantasy.
Haas was found unconscious at the Gaven residence – owned by parents Gregor Haas and Uiatu “Joan” Taufua – and taken by ambulance to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.
Paramedics were then called to a home at Arundel where they found two other 19-year-old men.
Both were taken to Gold Coast University Hospital where one of them, Jeremiah Lolohea, died shortly after.
In an emotional Facebook tribute, a relative – believed to be Mr Lolohea’s sister – sadly announced his “sudden and untimely passing”.
“We are completely devastated and are trying to navigate our way through this news,” she wrote.
“We ask that you all please be patient, as we confirm funeral details which will be posted once finalised.
“Jeremiah Lolohea – We love you so much, to the heavens and back. Please watch over us and guide us through this extremely difficult time.”
On Monday morning it was confirmed Haas and another 19-year-old had made a miraculous recovery and were on Sunday afternoon released from hospital.
Gold Coast police superintendent Rhys Wildman said detectives were awaiting toxicology reports as investigations continued, and a report would be prepared for the Coroner.
Supt Wildman said police were treating the incident as a possible group overdose.
“We believe they were at the one location before one of the males has left and went to a second location,” he told ABC Gold Coast.
“Obviously this is a tragic outcome for the family (of Mr Lolohea) and obviously there’s other families involved with the other two males.”
Supt Wildman said it was not yet known what substance the three men may have taken but people “roll the dice” when they took illicit drugs.
A large group of people gathered at the Arundel home on Sunday morning and were seen hugging and crying. A woman at the house declined to comment.
Police said Zeda Haas and the other man who were taken to hospital were known to Mr Lolohea.
They said initial information indicated that the death was non-suspicious but investigations were continuing.
It is not suggested that any other Haas family member was involved in the incident.
The Gaven home is one of five Queensland properties listed as being owned by Gregor Haas and Uiatu “Joan” Taufua.
A neighbour of the Gaven property said he had not heard anything overnight.
Ms Taufua is in jail on remand after being charged with manslaughter, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, drink-driving, evade police and unlicensed driving over a horrific triple fatality at Bonogin in the Gold Coast hinterland last December which wiped out almost an entire family.
She had been on parole at the time of the crash over a wild attack on two security guards at the Gold Coast’s Star casino, and was returned to prison.
“The neighbours are real quiet,” he said.
Payne Haas took part in the Broncos’ training on Sunday at Red Hill days out from the Round 12 NRL clash with the Penrith Panthers at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
The club declined to comment and Gregor Haas could not be contacted.
In an exclusive interview with The Courier-Mail last month, Mr Haas told of his family’s heartache over the jailing of his wife, who he visits weekly in the Southern Queensland Correctional Centre near Gatton where she is on remand.
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