Overview
- Piper James, 19, from Canada, was found near the Maheno shipwreck about an hour after leaving for a 5 a.m. swim, with roughly 10 dingoes gathered around her body.
- Police said her remains showed defensive injuries and evidence of contact with dingoes, but they have not determined whether she drowned or died from an animal attack.
- The Coroners Court of Queensland confirmed an active investigation and said further scientific testing is required, and her family has been told preliminary findings could take about a week with final results potentially taking longer.
- If her death is ultimately attributed to dingoes, reporters note it would be the first fatal dingo attack in Australia in roughly 25 years.
- Traditional owners and local leaders renewed calls to cap visitors or consider seasonal closures as the premier signaled the government will await the coroner’s findings, while family and friends shared tributes to the young traveler.