In the quiet suburbs of Banksia Grove, north of Perth, a devoted family’s ordinary Thursday morning turned into an unimaginable nightmare. Rooney Taua, a beloved 61-year-old husband and father originally from New Zealand, made what would be his final phone call to his children before boarding his usual Route 390 Transperth bus for another routine commute to work.

According to his grieving children, the conversation was filled with the warmth and familiarity that defined their relationship. Rooney, known for his kind heart and steady presence, chatted casually, perhaps reminding them of small family matters or simply expressing his love in the way only a devoted father could. Little did they know those would be the last words they would ever hear from him.

Just after 11 a.m. on Joondalup Drive in Wanneroo, the bus he was traveling on suddenly veered off the road and slammed into a large tree. The impact was devastating. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where multiple passengers, including the driver, were injured. Rooney was among those critically hurt and was transported to Joondalup Health Campus. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he tragically passed away from his injuries later that day, leaving behind a devastated family.

Back at home, his children had prepared a special lunch to welcome him – a mâm cơm filled with love and anticipation for their father’s return. The dishes, carefully cooked with the flavors he enjoyed, slowly went cold on the table as the devastating news arrived. What should have been a joyful family gathering dissolved into tears and shock. The empty chair at the head of the table now stands as a painful reminder of the irreplaceable void left in their lives.

Rooney was remembered by loved ones as a great man who lived for his family. A devoted father to his daughter and a loving husband, he had built a life in Australia after moving from New Zealand. His daily commute on the same bus route had become a symbol of his hardworking, reliable nature – the kind of man who showed up every day without complaint.

The sudden loss has sent ripples through the local community. Family members have shared tributes describing him as someone who brought light and stability to those around him. In the wake of the tragedy, his loved ones have launched efforts to cover funeral costs and fulfill his wish to be laid to rest in New Zealand, highlighting the profound emotional and financial burden such unexpected deaths bring.

As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, including reviewing onboard footage and the possibility of a medical episode involving the driver, Rooney Taua’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change. One ordinary morning, one routine bus ride, and a family’s world is shattered forever.

For his children, the cold lunch remains a symbol of shattered expectations – a meal prepared with love that would never be shared. Their final phone call with their father now echoes as both a cherished memory and a painful farewell. In the days ahead, they will navigate the difficult path of grief, holding onto the love and lessons he left behind.