Parents of B.C. teen Piper James travel to Australia following fatal dingo encounter

The parents of Piper James have travelled to Australia to visit the beach where their daughter died while working overseas, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. The 19-year-old from Campbell River, B.C., was found dead earlier this month on K'gari, an island off Australia’s east coast formerly known as Fraser Island.

Australian media reported that James’ parents arrived in Brisbane on Tuesday as they prepare to bring her remains home. James was working on the island when she went for an early-morning swim and was later discovered dead, surrounded by a pack of about 10 dingoes.

Preliminary autopsy findings indicate James drowned and had suffered dingo bites both before and after her death. Officials have said the bites alone were not believed to have caused her immediate death, but investigators are continuing to review the sequence of events.

Australian authorities have announced plans to euthanize the dingoes involved, citing their role in the incident and reports of aggressive behaviour in the area since James’ death. The decision has prompted renewed discussion in Australia about wildlife management and tourist safety on the island.

James’ father, Todd James, had previously confirmed on social media that the family would travel to Australia. In a post shared last week, he said the trip was meant to honour his daughter’s memory and help the family come to terms with the loss.