The death of a 19-year-old woman from Vancouver Island who was found on a beach in Australia earlier this week has now been confirmed by family and friends.
Family and friends have identified the woman as Piper James, a Canadian citizen originally from Campbell River.
Her body was discovered on Monday morning, January 19th, on K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island.
Police say James was found around 6:30 a.m. local time near the Maheno Shipwreck along Seventy Five Mile Beach after two men driving south near Orchid Beach noticed a large pack of dingoes surrounding what they initially believed was an object.
They quickly realized it was a body and contacted police. There were about 10 dingoes in the area at the time James was discovered.
Wide Bay District Inspector Paul Algie previously said the injuries observed were “consistent with having been touched and interfered with by the dingoes,” and that some injuries appeared to be defensive in nature.
Police have not yet determined whether James drowned or died as a result of an animal attack.
James had been travelling in Australia as a backpacker and had been living and working on K’gari for about six weeks.
Australian media outlets News.com.au and 9News Australia reported that she had gone for an early morning swim around 5 a.m., roughly an hour before her body was found.
Family and friends say James and her family moved from Ontario to Vancouver Island in 2021, settling in Campbell River.
After the move, she quickly grew to love Vancouver Island’s mountains and lakes. She was passionate about off-road dirt biking and enjoyed surfing in Tofino.
Those close to her described James as a kind and adventurous young woman who loved nature and the outdoors and was determined to pursue her dreams. Family members also confirmed she had previously worked with the BC Wildfire Service, a role she was proud of.
Her father, Todd James, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media confirming her death and remembering his daughter.
“Our hearts are shattered as we share the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter, Piper,” he wrote. “We will always remember her infectious laugh and her kind spirit. I admired her strength and determination to go after her dreams.”
He added that he supported her decision to travel to Australia and cherished watching her build strong friendships along the way.
“She loved and was proud of her work at BC Wildfire Services. Piper would work hard so she could play hard,” he wrote.
“So many are going to miss you, my precious little baby girl. Maybe gone, but how can we ever forget you?”
The Queensland Police Service continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding James’ death. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on the mainland to determine the cause.
The death of the Campbell River woman has prompted an outpouring of condolences across Vancouver Island, with many remembering her as a young woman who embraced the outdoors and lived life with enthusiasm and heart.
