Preliminary autopsy findings have indicated that Piper James, whose lifeless body was discovered on K’gari Island, had water in her lungs. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the Canadian backpacker’s death remain a mystery.

The 19-year-old’s body was found on the shores of Queensland’s renowned island, previously known as Fraser Island, on a Monday morning. She was surrounded by a group of ten dingoes at the time of discovery.

Two individuals traveling in a four-wheel drive came across the unresponsive teenager at around 6 a.m., near the Maheno Wreck. It was noted that her body bore multiple defensive wounds.

Investigators are still working to establish the cause of Ms. James’ death. Crucial questions remain unanswered, such as whether she drowned prior to or following an attack by the aggressive animals. Further testing is necessary, but results may not be available for another two months.

In an effort to shed light on the situation, her father, Todd James, chose to disclose the initial autopsy results he obtained on Friday.

Her father, Todd, decided to make the preliminary autopsy results public after he received them on Friday.

The release of the preliminary report means her body can now be released to her shattered family as further tests are undertaken. 

Mr James is now planning on repatriating his daughter back to Canada now that the autopsy results have been released, he told 9News. 

Piper James’ body was found surrounded by a pack of 10 dingoes early Monday morning

The 19-year-old Canadian backpacker had been travelling with her friend, Taylor, and both were staying on K’gari at the time of her death

Dingoes roam on K’gari Island and have been known to attack tourists 

Ms James’ father and his wife, Angela, have both been invited to K’gari to attend an Indigenous smoking ceremony for their daughter.

Both will soon make their way to Australia for the tribute. 

Ms James’ body was found washed up on Seventy Five Mile Beach just one hour after she told friends she was heading out for an early-morning swim at about 5am.

Originally from Campbell River in British Columbia, Ms James had been travelling around Australia with her best friend Taylor for six weeks.

Taylor’s mother, Marjorie Stricker, said Ms James’ death had shattered their families.  

‘When the girls first left for Australia, we told them to always call, that there were no problems we couldn’t face together, and that safety was the most important thing,’ she said.

‘This isn’t how this was meant to play out. What has happened cannot be undone. It cannot be fixed.’

Ms Stricker said it was time to honour Ms James, who she said had befriended her daughter at a young age when both dreamed of coming to Australia.

Ms James’ preliminary autopsy results revealed she had water in her lungs at the time of her death

Taylor’s mother said the pair of teenagers had dreamed of turning 19 in Australia

Fraser Coast Council Mayor George Seymour warned people about K’gari

‘Turning 19 in Australia was part of their dream and they worked tirelessly to make it come true,’ she said.

‘Their game plan was to return home at the end of March to Vancouver Island ready to embrace adulthood and all the responsibilities it entails.

‘Their timeline was guided in part by Piper’s drive to resume her firefighting training so she would be ready for the upcoming season.

‘She was determined to continue to pursue building a life rooted in purpose, passion, and service.’  

If authorities determine Ms James’ death was caused by the wild dogs, it would be the first fatal dingo attack in 25 years.

Traditional owners of K’gari have accused the Queensland government of ignoring their safety warnings.  

Fraser Coast Council Mayor George Seymour warned people to reconsider bringing their families to the island.

‘I think if people are aware of the situation and look at the number of dingo attacks that have happened over the last few years, I think some parents will make that decision,’ he told the Courier Mail.