The grieving parents of a Canadian backpacker attacked by dingoes on K’gari have called for a coronial inquest into her death.
Piper James, 19, was working on K’gari, formerly Fraser Island, on January 19 when she told her friends that she was going for an early morning swim.
Her body was found an hour later, surrounded by a pack of dingoes near the island’s popular tourist site, the SS Maheno wreck.
An autopsy uncovered evidence of ‘pre-mortem’ dingo bites but ruled that drowning was the most likely cause of death. It has been suggested the dingoes attacked her and corralled her into the water, where she drowned.
Piper’s body has returned home to Campbell River, about 200km north-west of Vancouver, where she was farewelled by family and friends on Saturday.
As they prepared to lay their only child to rest, Todd and Angela James have requested the Queensland coroner to hold an inquest into her death.
They called for a full review into the policies regarding information by rangers about the risk of dingo attacks, adding that their daughter and others at the campsite were not aware of a heightened alert that was in place at the time.
Piper James’ body was found surrounded by a pack of dingoes on K’gari in January
The Canadian teen (left) had been travelling across Australia with her best friend Taylor
Angela and Todd James (pictured recently in Australia) have called for a coronial inquest into their daughter’s death
They called for a review of dingo management on the island after the native dogs involved in Piper’s death were euthanised.
It was the first major cull since 2001, which was triggered by the death of nine-year-old Clinton Gage, who was killed in a dingo attack near Waddy Point – also on K’gari.
The couple had previously expressed their disappointment about the latest cull, adding it was the last thing Piper would want.
‘I’m hoping that with this inquest, it’ll show where some things possibly could be changed … so there doesn’t have to have another incident like Piper passing away,’ Mr James told the ABC.
The couple are waiting for more information from Australian authorities about their daughter’s final moments.
They were advised by Queensland Police last week that the mobile phone Piper had been using before she died had been found but did not disclose further details.
‘We don’t understand why it’s taking so long,’ Ms James said.
The Coroners Court of Queensland is waiting for further test results before making a final decision on whether an inquest will be held.
Todd James (pictured with daughter Piper) also called for a review of dingo management on K’gari
New warning signs were erected on the island in the wake of Piper James’ death
A spokesperson confirmed the family’s request had been received and would be considered as part of the ongoing investigation into Piper’s death.
Piper was farewelled at a public funeral in her hometown on Saturday, followed by a private celebration of her life.
Mr James fought back tears during his eulogy as he paid tribute to his kind, free-spirited daughter.
‘I shared my love for motorcycles with you – never did I dream in a million years that you would be taking us on the ride of our lives,’ he said.
‘I loved you for the way you loved us – you were an amazing daughter. You were fun to be around.’
Best friend Taylor Stricker, who had been travelling with Piper across Australia, also spoke.
‘We were partners in crime, Yin and Yang, a perfect match,’ she told mourners.
Piper James was finally laid to rest in her hometown on Saturday
‘She pushed me in ways I never thought I could be capable of, we balanced each other in a way that just worked.
‘I’m so lucky I got to have her in my life. Even though she was taken too soon, she changed me in ways no one else had.’
Australian friends who had lived and worked with Piper at the campsite were among the 200 guests who attended the private celebration.
Flower bouquets included eucalyptus fronds, a nod to the Australian island where Piper spent her final days.
‘Australians are amazing. It’s no wonder she loved it so much,’ Ms James said.
