FAMILY MAKES HEARTBREAKING PLEA AS TEEN VANA-REESE SCHUSTER-TOGIATAU FIGHTS FOR HER LIFE AFTER LOGAN PUB SHOOTING

The 19-year-old was an innocent bystander when masked gunmen allegedly opened fire outside a crowded boxing event in Queensland, leaving four people injured.

A family is facing an agonising wait for news about their loved one after 19-year-old Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau was critically injured in a shooting outside a pub in Loganholme, south of Brisbane, Australia.

Vana-Reese, from Jimboomba, was among four people shot during a boxing event at Fitzy’s on Bryants Road at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026. More than 100 people, including families with young children, were at the venue when the gunfire erupted.

She was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital with gunshot wounds to her head and neck. Police described her as an innocent bystander, while her family and friends rallied around her as they faced an uncertain future.

A FAMILY’S PLEA FOR SUPPORT

In a fundraising appeal, Vana-Reese’s family described her as a much-loved young woman and spoke of the uncertainty they now face.

The family said she was surrounded by loved ones as they prepared for difficult days ahead. Donations were requested to help cover medical and unexpected expenses, allowing relatives to focus on being together during the crisis.

Born and raised in the Logan area, Vana-Reese has strong connections to her community. The fundraiser quickly attracted support from people wishing to help the family through an incredibly difficult time.

FRIEND REMEMBERS THE FUTURE THEY IMAGINED

Vana-Reese’s childhood friend, Bella Annakin, spoke about the shock of learning that someone she had known since primary school was fighting for her life.

Annakin described her friend as bubbly, driven and full of life. The two had grown up together, attended school together and imagined sharing the milestones that lay ahead.

Speaking to 7NEWS, Annakin recalled thinking about the future they expected to experience together — including weddings, children and watching each other grow into adulthood.

The sudden violence has left her struggling to understand how an ordinary night out could turn into a life-threatening tragedy.

Vana-Reese had finished school less than a year earlier and was working and enjoying life, her friend said.

WHAT HAPPENED OUTSIDE THE PUB?

Police allege a car pulled into the venue’s drop-off area during an intermission at the boxing event. Two men wearing balaclavas and gloves allegedly opened fire from the front passenger window before fleeing.

Vana-Reese was one of four people struck by gunfire. Three men, aged 27, 37 and 38, were also taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. The 38-year-old reportedly suffered injuries to his abdomen and arm, while the other two men were wounded in the abdomen.

Witnesses described scenes of confusion as people ran for safety and bystanders tried to help the injured.

Investigators later found a silver Mitsubishi ASX believed to have been used in the attack burnt out in Waterford West. Police are also examining the movements of another vehicle and have appealed for CCTV, dashcam footage and information from anyone who may have seen the suspects.

Detectives are investigating whether the shooting was planned and are examining possible links to organised crime. However, the motive has not been conclusively established, and police have not publicly confirmed that any of the victims were specifically targeted.

A COMMUNITY LEFT SHAKEN

The shooting has raised serious concerns because it happened during a public sporting event attended by families and children.

Queensland authorities have condemned the violence and said efforts are being made to identify those responsible. Police continue to urge anyone with relevant information or footage to come forward.

For Vana-Reese’s loved ones, however, the investigation is unfolding alongside a deeply personal struggle: waiting and hoping for the young woman they know and love.

HOPING FOR A FUTURE STILL AHEAD

At just 19, Vana-Reese had many milestones ahead of her. Her friend’s words reflect the pain of imagining all the experiences they had expected to share — and the uncertainty surrounding whether those dreams will become reality.

As her family remains by her side, the community’s support has become a source of comfort amid the shock and fear.

The family’s plea is simple: help where possible, respect their privacy and keep Vana-Reese in your thoughts as she continues to fight for her life.