Canadian teenager identified as Piper James found dead surrounded by dingoes on world’s largest sand island in Australia
Piper James was traveling to Australia with a friend
According to Courier Mail, James came to Australia from Canada in November. He was traveling with a close friend from Canada and had visited many destinations across the country during his trip. According to the Daily Mail, the pair had visited Bondi Beach, surfed in Manly, partied in Cairns and toured the Whitsundays before heading to K’gari.
Authorities have not released the exact circumstances that led to James’ death. In a press release, Queensland police stated that investigations into the incident were ongoing and that he went “swimming”.
“We cannot confirm that this young lady drowned or died as a result of an attack by dingoes,” the Queensland Police Inspector said. Paul Algie of Wide Bay Burnett District told ABC News.
Dingo attack on K’gari
Dingoes, traditionally known as Wongari, are protected in K’gari as a native species, according to the Queensland government’s Parks and Forests website. K’gari attracts about 400,000 visitors a year and is the largest sand island in the world, according to ABC News. The island is a major tourist destination known for its beaches, freshwater lakes and wildlife.
In December Queensland Parks and Forests issued a warning warning of “high dingo activity” along the east coast of K’gari. The warning published on the ministry’s website will remain in effect until the end of January. “Dingos destroy tents, steal food or property, damage property and approach people,” the website states.
Although dingoes are seen as part of the island’s appeal, authorities have long warned that interaction with the animals could be dangerous and have attracted global attention in the past. According to ABC news, the last reported fatal dingo attack on K’gari occurred in 2001, when nine-year-old Clinton Gage was killed after being attacked near a campsite.
