The family of a teenage traveller whose body was discovered surrounded by dingoes on a K'gari beach has revealed she died in one of her most cherished locations worldwide. They are now advocating for enhanced education for tourists visiting the island to prevent similar tragedies.
A Tragic Discovery on a Queensland Beach
Piper James, a 19-year-old from Canada, was found deceased near the surf at the Maheno Wreck on K'gari around 6am on Monday. She was in Australia with a friend, embarking on a five-month journey she had described as the "trip of a lifetime."
It is understood that Piper left for a swim at 5am, with passers-by discovering her body approximately an hour later. Her cause of death remains under investigation, as police await autopsy results to determine if she drowned, was attacked by the small group of dingoes found near her body, or succumbed to another cause.
A Father's Heartfelt Tribute
From his home in Campbell River, on Vancouver Island, Piper's father Todd James shared his grief with 7NEWS as the family prepares to fly to Australia. "Our adventurous little baby girl was full of life and determined with what she wanted to do," he said. "(She was) focused and had set dreams for herself and to make those dreams come true."
James explained that Piper had worked diligently for several years at the British Columbia Fire Fighting Service to fund her travel aspirations. "She would call us and tell us all the time how wonderful the people in Australia were, how they made her feel, she loved the vibe everywhere she went," he recalled. "Unfortunately, one of her favourite places was Fraser Island (K'gari)."
Connections and Unfulfilled Plans
Piper maintained regular contact with her family during her travels. "I believe she took her cell phone with her to call us that morning but that never happened," James said. "She would usually call us at that time."
He noted that Piper and her travel companion, Taylor, had toured the island with Dingo Adventures and formed friendships with the business owners. "Dingo Adventures offered her and Taylor a job and she was going to be there for six weeks before continuing their journey," James shared. "Unfortunately, this tragic, horrific event has happened and has ended that dream for Piper." Taylor is now preparing to return home to Canada on Wednesday.
A Community in Mourning
James expressed that Piper loved her workmates so deeply he was "almost worried she wouldn't want to come home." He added, "It's just sad. The day before this happened Piper was telling us how the people she worked with, how they talked about being a family, and she said it's not just words, they made her feel that way."
The team at Dingo Adventures has been "devastated" by her death, speaking fondly to James about her "work ethic, drive and her determination." "(It) was so wonderful to hear what kind of girl she was when I wasn't around and couldn't see," he said. "I'm just proud of her. I was always proud of her. I wish she was here with us all. I don't know how much more I can say about Piper, except she was loved by many and her mum and dad. Many are going to miss her."
Investigations and Ongoing Debates
An autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday, with results to be shared with her family as soon as they are available. This incident has reignited discussions about previous dingo attacks on the island, with some advocating for a cap on visitor numbers.
James does not believe Piper engaged in any provoking activities, such as feeding the dingoes, but suspects she may have "let her guard down" regarding her safety. "I think maybe she's let her guard down, early in the morning," he suggested.
A Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
When asked what he hopes will result from his daughter's death, James emphasised the need for more education for visitors about the risks present on K'gari. "More education for people who aren't familiar with the area, (and for people) not to let your guard down," he urged. "As street smart as we tried to prepare Piper to be, you get settled in and you're comfortable and you feel safe but when you leave those safe areas into wild nature, maybe a little bit more information for visitors (is needed)."
This tragic event underscores the importance of tourist awareness and safety protocols in natural environments, as families and communities grapple with the loss of a vibrant young traveller.
