The only survivor of a horror highway crash that killed three people north of the Sunshine Coast is due to have his case heard in court today.

Rafferty Rolfe, 25, was charged with one count of robbery with violence while armed in relation to the alleged theft of an SUV in Gympie on Thursday.

Police allege the vehicle caused the smash on the Bruce Highway at Federal on Friday morning, in which two mothers and a 65-year-old Good Samaritan died.

The 65-year-old was driving Yandina woman Gypsy Satterley, 25, when police say the vehicle was allegedly chased and knocked into oncoming traffic by the stolen SUV about 4am Friday.

Travelling the other way was 38-year-old Imbil woman Jessica Townley.

The head-on crash killed the three of them.

The ABC understands the man, from Hay Point south of Mackay, had earlier come to Ms Satterley’s aid, and did not know her before that night.

Ms Satterley’s family praised the man at the weekend, describing him as a “hero” for trying to help their daughter — a mother of two girls.

“Gypsy’s parents are very grateful to the man that stopped to help her,” they wrote in a statement.

In a tribute published online, Ms Townley was described as an “animal-loving fiancee”, and a stepmother to two, who “didn’t stop until the sun went down”.

Police have said Mr Rolfe was in a relationship with Ms Satterley.

Mr Rolfe has been charged with one count of robbery with violence while armed, and is due to face Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday morning. 

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

He remains under police guard at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, in a stable condition.

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