Autopsy of Canadian teen found on Australian beach points to drowning; dingo bites likely after death

Preliminary autopsy findings into the death of a 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James on Australia’s K’gari island suggest drowning as the most likely cause, with dingo bites sustained largely after her death, Queensland authorities said. The findings were shared with the family of James whose body was found earlier this week on the heritage-listed island. According to the Coroners Court of Queensland, the autopsy revealed physical evidence consistent with drowning, along with injuries consistent with dingo bites. “The autopsy has found physical evidence consistent with drowning and injures consistent with dingo bites,” a spokesperson told ABC News.However, officials said the pre-mortem bite marks were unlikely to have caused immediate death and that there was no indication of involvement by any other person. Extensive post-mortem bite marks were also identified. Further scientific testing is underway, with results expected to take several weeks before the coroner formally determines the cause of death.James’s body was found on a stretch of beach north of the Maheno shipwreck at around 6.35 am local time after two men driving along the shoreline noticed a pack of wild dogs surrounding what they initially believed was an object. Police said James had gone for an early-morning swim at around 5 am and was found nearly 90 minutes later. She had been living on K’gari for about six weeks with a friend and was working at a backpackers’ hostel at the time, 9News Australia reported.Police earlier confirmed that the body had been “touched and interfered with” by dingoes but said they could not immediately determine whether she drowned or died as a result of an animal attack. Authorities have reiterated that K’gari is a wilderness area where dingoes are wild and protected animals. Visitors have been urged to keep their distance, avoid feeding them and respect safety guidelines. The coronial investigation remains ongoing, and officials said James’s family continues to be kept informed as further results are awaited.