The autopsy of Canadian backpacker Piper James, whose body was found on K’gari island surrounded by dingoes, has revealed “physical evidence consistent with drowning and injuries consistent with dingo bites”. The 19-year-old’s death on the world heritage-listed island, formerly known as Fraser Island, off the Queensland coast has prompted a coronial investigation.
A Queensland coroners court spokesperson said the preliminary assessment found pre-mortem dingo bites were not likely to have caused immediate death, but there were extensive post-mortem bite marks. The coroner is awaiting pathology results to determine the cause of death, a process expected to take several weeks. “There is no evidence that any other person was involved,” the spokesperson added.
It has been speculated that James may have entered the water to escape dingoes before drowning. K’gari is home to a genetically distinct dingo population and about 150 humans. Violent encounters have increased in recent years, including a 2023 incident where a woman ran into the ocean after being bitten by a pack.
Piper’s father, Todd James, paid tribute to his daughter, describing her “infectious laugh and kind spirit”. She had been working at a backpackers’ hostel with a friend, who was left “highly traumatised” by her death, according to Queensland police. James also worked for the British Columbia wildfire services, which she “loved and was proud” of.
