Drowning Likely Cause of Canadian Backpacker Piper James's Death on K'gari Island, Dingoes Bit Post-Mortem
January 24, 2026
Preliminary autopsy results say 19-year-old Canadian Piper James probably drowned on K’gari island, Australia. Queensland authorities told ABC News, “The autopsy has found physical evidence consistent with drowning and injuries consistent with dingo bites.” However, officials say the bite marks before death likely did not cause her immediate death. No sign of other people’s involvement was found.
James’s body was found by two men driving on the beach around 6.35 am, near the Maheno shipwreck. The men saw wild dogs around what they thought was an object. James had gone for a swim about 5 am and was found nearly 90 minutes later. She had been living on K’gari for six weeks and worked at a backpackers’ hostel, 9News Australia reported.
Police said dingoes had “touched and interfered with” her body, but couldn't say if her death was due to drowning or the animal attack right away. More tests are underway and results will take weeks. Authorities remind visitors that K’gari is wilderness with wild dingoes that are protected. Visitors must keep distance, not feed the animals, and follow safety rules.
The coronial investigation is ongoing. Piper James’s family is kept informed as officials wait for more results.
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Tags:
Piper James
Drowning
Dingo Attack
K'gari Island
Australia
Autopsy
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