The body of a young Canadian backpacker found dead at a popular tourist destination will have her body returned to her family.
While a cause of death may take months to be determined, her heartbroken father Todd James has revealed her body is set to be repatriated next week.
Sign up to The Nightly’s newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
“Next week Piper’s body will be repatriated home back to Campbell River (in the Canadian province of British Columbia), where a celebration of her life will be held,” he said in a post to social media.
Todd added further tests still need to be conducted to conclude if “the fluid found in her lungs was inhaled or not”.
“These tests should be able to tell us whether or not it was a drowning,” he said.
Canadian backpacker found dead on K’gari, Piper James. Credit: FacebookPiper’s father, Todd James (L), said her body will be repatriated to Canada next week. Credit: Facebook
He also thanked those who have shown his family support throughout the “very dark” time.
“We are so very grateful for the overwhelming amount of support that Angela (Piper’s mother) and I are receiving,” Todd said.
“It truly helps knowing we are not alone in the heartbreak.
“She was an incredible human.”
The Queensland Coroner’s Court confirmed Piper’s body showed signs of contact with dingoes but a pathology result will take several weeks.
“There are extensive post-mortem dingo bite marks.
“There is no evidence that any other person was involved.”
Piper’s body was found surrounded by dingoes on the beach near the Maheno Wreck. Credit: 7NEWSTodd James has remembered the determination and kind spirit of his daughter who was found dead on a K’gari beach. Credit: Todd James/Facebook
He says Piper adored nature and animals and would never have supported a dingo cull — but he believes urgent safety improvements are needed.
Among the measures he wants considered are stronger training for island staff, mandatory carrying of dingo sticks, and even a ban on children under 13 visiting K’gari.
Traditional owners have argued against a cull, instead calling for a cap on visitors and introducing periodic island closures.
K’gari reportedly attracts about 500,000 visitors annually, but the traditional owners believe the real figure is closer to 800,000.
