Piper James, a 19-year-old Canadian backpacker, likely drowned while swimming on K'gari (Fraser Island), an autopsy has found. The preliminary report also confirmed pre-mortem dingo bites, though they were not the cause of death. Extensive post-mortem bites were noted, and no evidence suggests another person was involved.
Family Plans to Bring Piper Home
Piper's family, speaking from Canada, expressed relief that the autopsy results allowed her body to be released. Her mother, Angela James, said, "I need to get her home." Piper had been working at a hostel on the island and often swam alone at dawn, describing the experience as "freeing."
Circumstances of the Incident
On the morning of her death, Piper left the hostel around 5 a.m., telling friends she was going for a swim. Two men driving along Eastern Beach later discovered her body surrounded by a pack of dingoes. The area is known for its wild dingo population, which is protected in Queensland national parks.
Ongoing Investigation
The coroner's office noted that further testing is needed to confirm drowning as the cause of death, a process that could take several weeks. The family has been in contact with Global Affairs Canada, which is providing consular assistance.
K'gari's Dingo Population
K'gari, the world's largest sand island, is home to about 200 dingoes. The island, a World Heritage site, attracts tourists with its natural beauty and landmarks like the Maheno shipwreck, where Piper's body was found. Authorities emphasized that dingoes are protected and play a vital role in the island's ecosystem.