In a recent update from the Coroners Court of Queensland, an autopsy has revealed that the teenage girl discovered amidst wild dingoes at a renowned Australian tourist destination likely drowned. The findings indicate physical signs aligning with drowning.

Nineteen-year-old Piper James, a Canadian backpacker, was enjoying a dream vacation on Queensland’s K’gari, also known as Fraser Island, when she decided to take a morning swim on a Monday. Tragically, she did not return from this outing.

Her remains were found shortly after on the beach near the SS Maheno shipwreck, a site frequented by tourists, with approximately ten dingoes nearby.

The coroner has conducted an initial evaluation and is now waiting for pathology results to provide further clarity on the cause of death. This information will be integral to the ongoing investigation, according to a statement released by the Coroners Court of Queensland on Friday.

It is anticipated that this process may extend over several weeks.

The preliminary autopsy results have uncovered evidence that supports drowning as a cause of death, along with injuries that are consistent with dingo bites, the spokesperson confirmed.

Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death, the spokesperson said.

There are extensive post-mortem dingo bite marks.

There is no evidence that any other person was involved.

Dingo activity

James’ family are devastated over the tragedy.

“Our hearts are shattered as we share the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter, Piper,” her father, Todd James, said in a social media tribute.

“We will always remember her infectious laugh and her kind spirit. I admired her strength and determination to go after her dreams.”

James had been living and working at a backpackers on K’gari alongside a friend from Canada for about six weeks.

Canadian backpacker Piper James, 19, was on a holiday on Queensland’s K’gari. Source: Supplied / Todd James

Rangers increased patrols across the island following the tragedy, which came just weeks after a warning about “heightened dingo activity” near where James was found, with reports of dingoes ripping tents, approaching campers and stealing food and property.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli on Wednesday ruled out a tourist ban on the island as authorities waited for the autopsy results.

The warning remains in place on K’gari for the summer holiday period until 31 January.

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