Piper James, 19, was found dead on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, yesterday morning surrounded by a pack of about 10 dingoes.

Earlier this week, James was discovered in the company of approximately ten dingoes, leaving authorities puzzled as to whether she had drowned or fallen victim to a fatal attack.

The Coroners Court of Queensland has confirmed it has opened an investigation into her death and said her body will require more tests after an autopsy is completed.
Piper James, 19, was found dead on K'Gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, yesterday morning surrounded by a pack of about 10 dingoes.
Piper James, 19, was found dead on K’gari on Monday. (Supplied)

A spokesperson from the Coroners Court commented, “Following the autopsy, further scientific testing will be required to determine the cause of death. This process may take some time.”

The spokesperson added, “The family of the deceased is being kept informed about the progress of the investigation.”

As the inquiry continues, no additional details can be disclosed at this stage.

The possibility that dingoes might be involved has left both locals and tourists in shock, sparking widespread concern and speculation.

The potential that dingoes could be responsible has stunned locals and tourists alike.

K’gari dingoes are a protected species due to their potential to become the purest strain of dingo in the country, but attacks have been on the rise recently.

The island has not seen a fatal attack since 2001, when a nine-year-old boy was killed.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has signalled there will be a state response to the findings of the autopsy.

But Indigenous elders claimed they have repeatedly warned the state government that dingoes are growing more dangerous as tourism takes over.

Rangers and police on K’gari this week. (Nine)

James had been working as a housekeeper at a backpacker campsite on K’gari for the past six weeks with hometown friend Taylor Stricker.

The pair had saved up money for a year so they could travel Australia before returning home in March. 

But on Monday, James went for an early-morning swim before she was found scratched, bitten and surrounded by dingoes on a beach just a few hundred metres away from the campsite.

”She quite often would set her alarm to get up, catch the sunrise, which is what she did that day,” she told 9News.

“I think that’s what she probably got up to do. But she never got the opportunity to.”

Piper James, 19, had gone for an early-morning swim when her body was found surrounded by a pack of about 10 dingoes near Orchid Beach on Monday. 
Taylor Stricker and Piper James saved money for a year to travel to Australia. (Facebook)

James’ father, Todd, said the family was shattered and in pain over her death.

“So many are going to miss you, my precious little baby girl,” he wrote on social media.

“May be gone, but how can we ever forget you?”

Stricker’s mum, Majorie Stricker, said her daughter awoke to “a nightmare”, as the young women were the “very best of inseparable best friends”.

”Piper became far more to our family than just our daughter’s friend. She became part of our family, just as Taylor is part of hers,” she wrote in a social media post.

“From the moment she entered our lives, her light and laughter filled every space.

How to make 9News Your preferred source of news on Google.
Make 9News your preferred source of breaking news and exclusives on Google by clicking the image above. (Nine)

“She will always be with us, in the seas, the trails, the mountain scapes, the sky and all the sunrises and sunsets that she treasured so much.”

You May Also Like

Iran’s Supreme Leader Declares End to Gulf Region’s Role as ‘Shields’ for US Military Bases

In a groundbreaking shift, the world of technology is witnessing rapid advancements…
Children killed as train crashes into school minibus

Tragic Collision: Train Strikes School Minibus, Resulting in Child Fatalities

A crash between a bus and a train travelling at high speed…

Iranian Diplomat Engages in Peace Negotiations in Qatar Amid US and Iran’s Tempered Expectations

In a stunning feat of athleticism and strategy, the recent showdown on…
Vivid cancels shows after drones plummet due to 'technical difficulties'

Vivid Sydney Halts Shows as Drone Failures Cause Technical Turmoil

Vivid Sydney has been forced to cancel its centrepiece drone show for…

US-Iran Peace Talks at Risk: Key Issue Threatens Progress Through 2028

in brief Nuclear capabilities, sanctions, and the Strait of Hormuz remain sticking…
White House transformed, but this isn't for the ballroom

White House Undergoes Exciting New Makeover—And It’s Not for Dancing

Images have emerged showing a UFC octagon taking shape on the lawn…
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg enjoys a sausage with son Blake after voting on Saturday

Election Shockwaves: Peter Dutton and Josh Frydenberg Face Defeat as Liberal Party Eyes New Leadership

The political landscape for the Liberal Party’s emerging leaders appears increasingly precarious,…
Kelsey Waghorn was a 25-year-old tour guide and one of 47 people on New Zealand's White Island when it erupted on December 9, 2019. She has written a book about that day and its aftermath. She is pictured IN April 2020 showing some of her injuries

Surviving White Island: Kelsey Waghorn’s Harrowing Tale of Resilience Amidst Tragedy

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES Deep within the island lies a duo of streams…
David Jones' average overdue payments to suppliers were 16 days - more than double the industry average, according to a new report by a commercial credit agency

Iconic Australian Business Faces Uncertain Future Amid Alarming Repayment Delays

Concerns have been sparked about the longevity of one of Australia’s most…
Failed Australia Day bombing accused faces court

Australia Day Bomb Plot Suspect Faces Court: Latest Updates and Insights

A man accused of hurling a homemade explosive into a crowd during…

Perth Invasion Day Rally Bombing Suspect Faces Court in First Appearance

The world of entertainment has been buzzing with excitement as a remarkable…
Mr Morrison's most famous debacle was sneaking out of the country to holiday with his family in Hawaii in the midst of the 2019-20 bushfires crisis

Could Scott Morrison’s Missteps Impact His Re-election Bid?

As Scott Morrison faces the electorate, he is acutely aware that any…