The Coroners Court of Queensland's preliminary autopsy on 19-year-old Piper James found evidence consistent with drowning and injuries consistent with dingo bites. Some bite marks were pre-mortem but unlikely to have caused immediate death; extensive post-mortem bites were also recorded. Investigators report no evidence of another person's involvement and say a full pathology report will take several weeks. James' body was found on K'gari near the Maheno Wreck surrounded by around 10 dingoes.
Preliminary Autopsy Finds Drowning Signs and Dingo Injuries in Death of 19-Year-Old Piper James on K'gari
Piper James/Instagram
Australian authorities have released initial forensic findings after the body of 19-year-old Canadian traveller Piper James was discovered on the Queensland island of K'gari on Jan. 19. A spokesperson for the Coroners Court of Queensland said the preliminary autopsy found evidence consistent with drowning along with injuries consistent with dingo bites.
Preliminary Findings
The court's spokesperson reported that some bite marks were present before death (pre-mortem) but were unlikely to have caused immediate death. The examination also showed extensive post-mortem dingo bite marks on the remains. Investigators say there is currently no evidence suggesting another person was involved.
GettyA stock image of a dingo.
Location and Timeline
James' remains were found on a beach north of the Maheno Wreck on K'gari and were surrounded by about 10 dingoes, Wide Bay District Inspector Paul Algie said. Local reports indicate she went for a swim at about 5 a.m.; her body was located roughly an hour later. Family members have said she had lost her phone during the trip and may have walked to the beach to get better reception using a friend's phone.
Background
Piper James had served as a firefighter in British Columbia and was travelling Australia on a backpacking trip. She had returned to K'gari to work for six weeks with an adventure group when she disappeared.
GettyThe Australian island of K'gari.
“She loved life, she was courageous and strong, and I know she fought to the end,” said her mother, Angela James. “She's brave and I love her so much and my life will never be the same. She was my best friend.”
Next Steps
Authorities stress that these are preliminary results. A full pathology report, which will include more detailed testing and toxicology, is expected to take several weeks and will determine the official cause of death. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding James' death.
Note: Dingoes are a native wild dog species in Australia; forensic teams distinguish between injuries that occur before death and those inflicted post-mortem, which can reflect scavenging behavior.
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