Canadian backpacker Piper James died ‘as a result of drowning’ following dingo attack at K’gari, coroner says

Canadian backpacker Piper James, 19, died on K'gari (Fraser Island) in Queensland, Australia, as a result of drowning following a dingo attack in January. A coroner's report confirmed the cause of death, citing multiple injuries from the attack contributing to the drowning. James was last seen alive heading to the beach for a morning swim after telling friends at the backpackers where she was staying. Her parents visited the island to participate in a smoking ceremony to honor their daughter. K'gari is home to a population of around 200 dingoes, and interactions between dingoes and humans have been increasing in recent years. The investigation into James' death is ongoing.

A 19-year-old Canadian backpacker, Piper James, died from drowning after being attacked by dingoes on K'Gari Island (formerly Fraser Island) in Queensland, Australia on January 19. Her body was found surrounded by approximately ten dingoes, at least six of which were later euthanized. A coroner's report indicated that James's death was a result of drowning with multiple injuries sustained from the dingo attack. James had been working at a hostel and intended to go for an early morning swim before the incident. K'Gari is home to around 200 protected dingoes, and the last fatal dingo attack on the island occurred in 2001.