Pacific Fair boom-gate tragedy: Family of woman killed reveal heartache

THE family of a woman killed in a freak boom-gate accident in a Gold Coast shopping centre carpark has spoken of their distress, and revealed that centre management has not contacted them.

THE family of a woman killed in a freak boom gate accident in a carpark at a Gold Coast shopping centre has spoken of their distress and heartache.

Jo Shintah’s family yesterday revealed that, on the day she died, she was preparing to fly to Europe with a sick friend to visit family.

Pacific Fair introduced paid parking in June as part of a $670 million redevelopment, sparking outcry from shoppers and staff who accused centre owner AMP of a “greedy” cash grab.

Ms Shintah, 61, died as she tried to pick up a parking ticket at the boom gate earlier this month. She is believed to have been torn from her car after accidentally hitting the accelerator and slamming head first into the ticket box.

Ms Shintah suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, despite attempts by paramedics to revive her.

In a statement ahead of her funeral tomorrow, her family said no one from Pacific Fair management had contacted them.

Pacific Fair crash victim Jo Shintah.

Pacific Fair of drivers having difficulties getting their tickets in the machine. Pic: Richard Gosling

They said they were distressed at reports of another accident on Friday in the carpark where Ms Shintah died.

Shoppers have taken to social media to complain of difficulties with the new parking system, including problems operating the boom gates.

Ms Shintah’s family described her as a family-oriented, vibrant, energetic, bubbly person.

They said she was a competitive ballroom dancer and teacher, great skier and international businesswoman who was instrumental in introducing inline skates to Australia.

Born in Newcastle, she completed an education degree, worked with the NSW Education Department and was responsible for introducing computer technology into NSW school libraries.

Her family said she was an eternal student who loved learning new skills including neuro-linguistic programming, kinesiology and share trading. “She was a larger than life personality, always immaculately presented.

“She was always passionate and enthusiastic about her interests and inspired a wide network of people across the world. Her loss has been keenly felt by her friends and colleagues both locally and internationally as well as (by) her family.”

Ms Shintah’s family would not comment on whether they blamed the new parking system for her death but said they were assisting police with the investigation and would await a Coroner’s report.