Uber driver allegedly stabbed by teenage passenger in Gold Coast may never walk, family says
32-year-old Brazilian woman remains hospitalised with life-changing injuries after early-September attack outside Westfield Coomera; 16-year-old charged
A 32-year-old Uber driver who was allegedly stabbed multiple times by a teenage passenger outside Westfield Coomera on the Gold Coast may never walk again, her family said Tuesday.
The Brazilian national remained in hospital two weeks after the early-morning attack on Sept. 4, having suffered extensive injuries including a punctured lung and paralysis. Police allege the 16-year-old passenger attempted to strangle her with a seatbelt before stabbing her 10 times in the face, back and neck while she was dropping him off.
The driver was found critically injured and immobile in her vehicle several hours after the assault by a passing security guard, who the family has thanked for arriving on the scene. "We feel his actions definitely saved our daughter's life," her father, Allan MacFarlane, told Nine News. Her brother, Lucas Ramos, described both physical and psychological scars and said the family’s priority was her recovery and seeking justice.
"She is facing a long-term recovery with life-changing injuries," MacFarlane said. He added that it was too early to tell whether she would regain the ability to walk. Ramos said she had been working two jobs while saving for a visa and had planned to return to Brazil to visit family, plans that are now on hold.
Police charged an Upper Coomera teen with one count each of acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery and deprivation of liberty. The 16-year-old is due to appear in court next month. Authorities have not released further details about a motive.
The alleged attack has drawn attention to safety concerns for rideshare drivers, who often work alone and at night. Rideshare companies and law enforcement agencies in Australia have faced calls in recent years to strengthen protections for drivers, including improved emergency response measures and safety training. Transport and police officials have previously said they are reviewing technologies and procedures to reduce risks to drivers, though officials did not provide an immediate comment on this case.
Medical staff treating the woman have not publicly released a prognosis beyond confirming the extent of her injuries. Family members who flew in from overseas have been at her bedside since the assault, according to their statements to media.
The case will proceed through the juvenile court process for the accused 16-year-old, with a scheduled appearance next month. Police continue their investigation into the circumstances of the attack and any events preceding it.