A 19-year-old woman shot in the head and neck during a live boxing event at a Logan pub remains in a critical condition in hospital, as her childhood best friend speaks publicly about the heartbreak of watching someone so full of life fighting to survive. Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, from Jimboomba, was one of four people struck by gunfire at Fitzy's pub in Loganholme, south of Brisbane, on Saturday night in what police believe was a premeditated attack.

What Happened at the Loganholme Boxing Night

More than 100 people, including families with young children, had gathered at the venue for a boxing fight night when the violence erupted during an intermission. Police allege a car pulled into the pub's drop-off zone and two men wearing balaclavas and gloves opened fire from the front passenger window before fleeing.

Schuster-Togiatau was struck in the head and neck and was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition. Police have described her as an innocent bystander. Three men, aged 27, 37 and 38, were also shot, each sustaining gunshot wounds to the abdomen. The 38-year-old also suffered a wound to his arm. All four victims were taken to hospital following the attack.

Investigators are examining possible links to organised crime. Police have indicated that elements of pre-planning suggest the shooting was not a random act of violence. The incident has been the subject of significant public concern, including discussion in the Queensland Parliament, where it is now part of the broader record of the 2026 Logan pub shooting.

Best Friend Remembers a Young Woman 'Full of Light'

Bella Annakin, who has known Schuster-Togiatau since they met in Grade 3 at Flagstone State School, described her friend as a vibrant and driven young woman who had only recently finished school and was embracing her early adult life.

"She was the bubbliest girl, always happy, just the light of the room," Annakin said. "She was just working, living her life, going out. Just being young like she should've been."

The two friends had been in contact on Snapchat on the day of the shooting, with Schuster-Togiatau sharing photos of herself and her boyfriend dressed up and ready for a night out. Annakin said she had never seen her friend look happier.

Annakin only learned her friend was among the victims when others contacted her after the shooting. The revelation left her shaken and searching for answers.

"To me, it's just an utter shock," she said. "You question why. Like, why would it happen to her? It could've been anyone. It just, unfortunately, happened to be her."

Now, with her friend in a critical condition, Annakin is left grappling with the futures they had imagined together. "You think, 'yeah, I'm going to be seeing you at your wedding, I will see you have a kid one day, I'll see you blossom into the human you want to be,'" she said. "You picture what your life is going to be like in 20 years."

Political Response and Ongoing Investigation

The shooting drew a swift response from Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, who addressed the incident in Parliament. "Our thoughts are with those victims and we'll make every effort to ensure those responsible are brought to justice," he said, adding that the government would do everything possible to hold those responsible to account.

Police have renewed their appeal for information from anyone who was present at Fitzy's on the night or who has knowledge of the attack. Investigators continue to pursue leads as they work to identify and apprehend the two masked men responsible.

For Bella Annakin, the focus remains on her friend. Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, who finished school less than a year ago and was building her life, is now at the centre of a major criminal investigation, her future uncertain after an innocent night out ended in violence.