The father of a teenager found dead at an Australian tourist spot says her family’s “hearts are shattered” by the tragedy.
Canadian backpacker Piper James, 19, was on a holiday on Queensland’s K’gari when she went for an early morning swim on Monday.
She hadn’t returned, and her body was discovered a short time later on the shoreline near the SS Maheno shipwreck — a popular tourist site — surrounded by about 10 dingoes.
Police have not confirmed whether James drowned or died as a result of a dingo attack.
A post-mortem examination scheduled for Wednesday will determine the cause of Piper James’ death.
The young girl’s body was found on the beach near the SS Maheno shipwreck.
“Our hearts are shattered as we share the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter, Piper,” her father, Todd James, expressed in an emotional social media post.
Grandmother Penny Vanalstine Marshall said James was a beacon of strength who would be cherished forever.
“She was the most happy-spirited girl,” she said.
“She had a spirit of unbridled joy and courage. She was a beacon of strength and fearless adventure.
“So many are going to miss you, my precious little baby girl. Although you may be gone, how can we ever forget you? The pain is immense… Rest in peace, my baby.”
Rangers increased patrols across the island following the tragedy, which came just weeks after a warning about aggressive dingo behaviour near where James was found.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on Wednesday ruled out a tourist ban on the island as authorities wait for the autopsy results.
“A young woman … has lost her life on the holiday of a lifetime and that’s really troubling,” he said.
“We have to acknowledge that and then turn our attention to the next step which is the authorities doing the autopsy to get the cause of death.”
Rangers warned of “heightened dingo activity” in the area only weeks before the tragedy. This followed reports of wild dogs ripping tents, approaching campers and stealing food and property.
The warning remains in place on K’gari for the summer holiday period — until 31 January.
Crisafulli described K’gari as a “really special part of the state”.
“We should be respectful, and we should acknowledge the tragedy for the family, for the broader community on K’gari — it’s really tough,” he said.
“We’re determined to get to the bottom of the cause, and then we respond.
“But … during the course of the debate, let’s not lose sight that a young woman has lost her life.”
