NewsBite

Updated

NRL star’s brother in hospital, man dead after suspected drug overdoses

A man is dead and the brother of Broncos star Payne Haas has been taken to hospital in a critical condition after a tragic incident.

The brother of Broncos star Payne Haas has been taken to hospital in a critical condition after a suspected drug overdose that has also resulted in the death of another man on the Gold Coast.

Haas’ brother, 19-year-old Zeda Haas, is reported to have been one of three men suspected to have overdosed on nervous system depressant drug GHB.

Police on Monday morning confirmed the incident is being treated as a potential group overdose.

The Daily Telegraph first reported Zeda Haas was found unconscious at a home in the north-western Gold Coast suburb of Gaven owned by parents Gregor Haas and Uiatu “Joan” Taufua.

Paramedics were reportedly also called to the neighbouring suburb Arundel where two other 19-year-old men were found and both were rushed to hospital.

Watch every game of every round of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Facebook image of Zeda Haas.
Facebook image of Zeda Haas.
Paayne Haas earlier this year. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.
Paayne Haas earlier this year. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

Zeda Haas was taken by ambulance to Gold Coast University Hospital in a critical condition.

Jeremiah Lolohea reportedly died shortly after arriving at the hospital.

A woman who has been identified as the sister of Lolohea made a heartbreaking post on Facebook on Sunday.

“We are completely devastated and are trying to navigate our way through this news,” she wrote, as first reported by News Corp.

Zeda Haas and his brother Payne. Photo: Facebook and Getty.
Zeda Haas and his brother Payne. Photo: Facebook and Getty.

“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.”

Gold Coast police superintendent Rhys Wildman on Monday morning told ABC radio Zeda Haas made a full recovery and was released from hospital care on Sunday afternoon.

“We believe they were at the one location before one of the males has left and went to a second location,” he said.

“Obviously this is a tragic outcome for the family (of Mr Lolohea) and obviously there’s other families involved with the other two males.”

Payne Haas took part in Broncos training on Sunday, despite dealing with another tragic family matter.

The family was last month rocked by further charges being laid against Uiatu “Joan” Taufua in relation to the horror car crash in December last year that resulted in the deaths of three people.

She had previously been charged with three counts of manslaughter having been the sole survivor of a two-car collision in Bonogin, in the Gold Coast hinterland.

It comes at the same time as rumours have swirled around the future of the Broncos star with reports Rugby Australia is preparing to offer a deal worth up to $4.8 million to get him to hop codes and play for the Wallabies.

The prop forward has cemented his status as the best front-rower in the sport this season, despite the tragedy that has unfolded around him.

No other member of the Haas family was involved in the incident on the Gold Coast.

Originally published as NRL star’s brother in hospital, man dead after suspected drug overdoses

Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-stars-brother-in-hospital-man-dead-after-suspected-drug-overdoses/news-story/aa693e564fb032a31230fe4eaa4642e9