Family of Canadian teen found dead on K’gari surrounded by dingoes receive preliminary autopsy results
The family of a Canadian backpacker found dead at a heritage-listed tourist destination in Queensland has been given the preliminary findings of an autopsy.
The body of 19-year-old Piper James was found at Seventy Five Mile Beach on K’gari (Fraser Island) just after 5 a.m. on Monday.
Ms James’ friends said she told them she was going swimming at around 5am that same morning.
Two passersby found Ms James’s body an hour later, surrounded by a flock of dingoes.
Authorities are trying to determine whether the teenager drowned, was attacked by dingoes, or was dragged into the water by the animals and then drowned.
9 News reported that preliminary findings from Ms. James’ autopsy were later communicated to Ms. James’ father, Todd, and his wife, Angela.
The findings showed evidence of fluid in the woman’s lungs, but it remained unclear how the fluid entered her body – whether through puncture wounds or through Ms James inhaling the water, the broadcaster said.
Further testing could take up to 2 months, according to 9 News.
Speaking to 9News, Mr James said the family were “relieved” that the results meant his body could be returned to his family in Canada.
He also said he and his wife had been invited to an Indigenous smoking ceremony in K’gari and would be “honored” to accept.
Earlier in the week, the Queensland Coroner’s Court announced that further scientific testing was required following the autopsy.
“These additional results and determining the cause of death may take some time,” a spokesman said.
“The family of the deceased has been informed about the investigation.
“The coronial investigation is ongoing so no further information can be provided at this time.”
Police confirmed Ms James’s body had been “touched and handled” by dingoes but did not speculate on the cause of death.
“We cannot confirm that this young lady drowned or died as a result of an attack by dingoes,” Wide Bay District Superintendent Paul Algie said in a statement on Thursday.
“K’gari is a wilderness area, dingoes are wild animals, and although they are culturally and important to the local First Nations people and people living on the island, they are still wild animals and should be treated as such.”
He urged visitors to stay away from protected species.
“I would ask anyone visiting K’gari, which is a beautiful place, to not go near the dingoes, not to feed the dingoes and to leave them alone to live their lives and act accordingly around them,” Inspector Algie said.
