Source : Perth Now news
Beloved husband and devoted father, Rooney Taua, was the 61-year-old man killed in the horror bus crash in Perth’s north on Thursday.
The father-of-one, who was living in Banksia Grove but is originally from New Zealand, was on his “ordinary morning commute to work” when the Transperth bus he was a passenger on left the road and smashed into a tree in Wanneroo.
Multiple passengers were on board at the time, with eight people sustaining injuries. Mr Taua was one of them.
He died in hospital overnight, leaving behind his daughter and wife.
In a fundraiser established to support his family through their time of immense heartbreak, his relative Ben Moore remembered him as a stoic man who took pride in his family.
“He was a quiet strength in the lives of those around him, a man who never sought recognition, who simply got on with the job of loving and providing for his family,” the fundraiser, set up Friday morning, read.
“His sudden and devastating passing has left a big void in the hearts of his family and friends. Alongside the overwhelming grief of losing a husband, father, son, koro and provider, the family is now facing the immediate financial pressures.
“Today, we are asking our community to rally around Rooney’s family during this unimaginably difficult time.
“Any contribution, no matter the amount, will help provide practical support and ease some of the financial strain the family now faces.”
Funds will be used for his funeral and memorial expenses, including repatriating his body to New Zealand for a traditional burial.
They will also go towards supporting his grieving wife and the family with essential household costs.
By early afternoon on Friday, more than $5000 of the $35,000 goal had been raised.
“Thank you for your kindness, generosity, compassion, and support during this time,” Mr Moore wrote.
Mr Taua’s family expressed their gratitude to the people who tried to save him.
Through Mr Moore, they said they were “grateful for the community support and for those who assisted at the accident and cared for Rooney on the day”.
A 59-year-old female passenger remains in Royal Perth Hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Five other occupants were taken to Joondalup Health Campus and are receiving treatment for minor injuries.
The 56-year-old male bus driver was taken to Royal Perth Hospital.
