Canadian tourist Piper James drowned after being attacked by dingoes on K’gari, coroner finds
Canadian tourist Piper James drowned “as a consequence of” dingo attacks on K’gari earlier this year, a coroner has found.
The 19-year-old’s body was found on the remote 75 Mile Beach on the World Heritage-protected South East Queensland sand island on January 19.
Before her death, James had told her friends she was going for an early swim.
Initial investigations by the Queensland Coroners Court that found it was likely James drowned after being attacked by a group of dingoes have been confirmed.
“Piper died as a result of drowning in the setting of multiple injuries due to, or as a consequence of, a dingo attack,” a court spokesperson said.
“The investigation into Piper’s death is ongoing, and no further information can be provided at this time.”
James’ father Todd James had previously told media the coroner found water in his daughter’s lungs, and the earlier report had said the animals had bitten her extensively after she died.
She had been on a trip down the east coast of Australia with another Canadian, and was working on the island, formerly known as Fraser Island, when she died.
Each year, almost half a million people visit the pristine beaches and blue lakes of K’gari, which is a hotspot for four-wheel-driving and camping.
Following the attack, Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation, which represents traditional owners, said it had long been pushing the Queensland government to cap visitor numbers, as well as closing the island for parts of the year.
The government had flagged it would wait until after the autopsy before considering a review of dingo management.
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