The body of 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James was discovered early on January 19, surrounded by approximately ten dingoes on K'Gari (formerly Fraser Island) off Queensland's eastern coast. The state's coroners court stated on Friday that "Piper died as a result of drowning in the setting of multiple injuries, due to, or as a consequence of a dingo attack," with investigations into her death ongoing. Authorities are examining the circumstances leading to this tragic incident.

At least six of the roughly ten dingoes found circling James's body were later euthanized. Around 200 dingoes inhabit K'Gari and are legally protected as a native species. Earlier investigations revealed "extensive post-mortem dingo bite marks" and concluded it was "not likely" that pre-mortem bites caused "immediate death," suggesting the drowning occurred amid the attack.

James had been working at a backpacker's hostel in the weeks prior to her death and informed friends she was going for an early morning swim. In the days following her passing, her parents, Angela and Todd James, told local media their daughter had dreamed of traveling and saved for her trip after high school graduation. They described Piper as a "kind spirit" with an "infectious laugh," highlighting her adventurous and positive nature.

Her mother shared with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that Piper loved to "start her day in the ocean watching the sun come up, because she just felt so free there." According to ABC, the last known fatal dingo attack on the island was in 2001, when a nine-year-old boy was killed after tripping near a campsite. In 2023, a woman jogging on K'Gari was attacked by dingoes, forcing her into the ocean; two witnesses rescued her and drove her to safety, underscoring ongoing risks despite protective measures.

Source: www.bbc.com