A Canadian family is preparing to travel to Australia following the death of their 19-year-old daughter, Piper James, at K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island.
Piper James Death: Dingo Involvement Investigated
James, a backpacker, was working on K’gari in Queensland when she went for an early morning swim on Monday. Her body was discovered near the wreck of the SS Maheno, surrounded by dingoes.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate she died from drowning, but also revealed evidence of dingo bites both before and after death. Investigators believe James may have entered the water while attempting to escape a pack of dingoes.
The coroner is awaiting further pathology results, a process expected to take several weeks, to determine the exact cause of death.
James’ father, Todd, expressed hope that his daughter succumbed to the surf, given the alternative. “We know her body was messed with (by) dingoes. It’s one or the other,” he told the Canadian Press on Friday.
A GoFundMe page launched by the family to cover the costs of bringing James home has raised almost NZ$7000 as of Saturday morning.
The family has been invited to attend a smoking ceremony by the Butchulla people, K’gari’s traditional custodians, and plans to accept the invitation.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family.
James had been living and working at a backpackers on K’gari with a friend from Canada for approximately six weeks. Her father described her as having an infectious laugh and a kind spirit.
Rangers increased patrols across the island following the tragedy, which occurred weeks after warnings about aggressive dingo behavior in the area where James was found. Reports included incidents of dingoes ripping tents, approaching campers, and stealing belongings.
A warning regarding “heightened dingo activity” remains in place on K’gari through January 31.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has ruled out restricting visitor numbers to K’gari, despite calls from the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation and environmental groups for a tourist cap due to safety concerns and environmental damage. Dingoes, known as wongari by the Butchulla people, hold cultural significance to the community.
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