The Tragic Death of Ruby-Anne Laufa
A few days shy of her 25th birthday, Ruby-Anne Laufa lost her life in a violent and highly suspicious traffic incident.
Ruby-Anne was Miss South Pacific PNG 2012 – 2013, and campaigned passionately against gender-based violence. She passed away at Port Moresby General Hospital in PNG on the 11th February. The circumstances surrounding her death remain undisclosed, however speculation suggests Ruby-Anne may have been thrown from a moving car.
Ruby was born on February 13, 1992 in Port Moresby. She studied law at UPNG and was the owner of SKYLAR; a modelling agency and events management company. She leaves behind her father Maurice from Gulf province; her mother, Hane Sepi Nouairi-Schaaf, of Central province and Tongan-German blood, and her younger sisters, Sherridan and Rhani Villie-Maina.
Police investigations remain ongoing and no charges have been made. The lack of urgency by police has Pacific communities outraged, family and friends of Ruby are demanding answers. Ruby's father, Maurice Laufa spoke out, questioning the investigation into her tragic death.
“Police have not contacted me or my other daughter to provide statements concerning the circumstances leading up to the tragic death despite having my contact details and knowing where I reside...I believe that initial information available to police suggest that the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of my daughter is highly suspicious."
"On the theory that my daughter committed suicide, on what factual basis do the police justify their statements? It is even absurd and insane for police to suggest and treat my daughter’s tragic death as motor traffic related."
“As a senior lawyer and teacher of law for almost thirty years, I have always believed, trusted and confided in the integrity, fairness, honesty and competence of our criminal justice system, including police criminal investigations. The concerns I have raised above have, in the last 10 days, tested my belief, trust and confidence in our criminal justice system, specifically police criminal investigations. My daughter is dead so she cannot tell the world what happened to her."
On Ruby's 25th Birthday, family, friends and strangers gathered where the incident occured, to commemorate her life. "You were an inspiration and a role model. You left an indelible mark on our lives. You made us proud. We lit candles in remembrance of you. For we know, your light will shine on brightly in heaven. Thank you Ruby-Anne for sharing that light with us during your short time on earth. We salute you."
Heartfelt messages of love and condolences for Ruby flooded through social media.
"With heavy hearts we wish you a happy 25th. May your light continue to shine through brighter now more than ever."
"We love you Ruby, thank you for being a trend setter and a light in the darkness of our world. Just like the candles we lit for you yesterday you have been a light of inspiration in our hours of lost hope, a light of confidence in our deepest moments of self-doubt, a light of love and courage in the darkness of low self-esteem, a light that we young men and women can use as a guide amidst the confusion of this world."
"The death of my friend Ruby Anne once more proves that no amount of education, money, privilege, or intelligence can insulate or protect Wantok women from the epidemic of gender based violence within the Papua New Guinean society. We must start addressing the issue with MEN, this is not a woman's problem or a women's issue, it is a fundamental flaw in man that needs to be addressed." - Stephen Michael Leach.
Rest in love Ruby-Anne Laufa 13.02.1992 - 11.02.2017
