Piper James: Father of Canadian backpacker found dead on K’gari says family is ‘shattered’ by loss
The father of the Canadian backpacker who was found surrounded by dingoes on a Queensland tourist island says his family’s “hearts are shattered” after losing his “precious little baby girl”.
Piper James was found near the surf at Maheno Wreck on Seventy Five Mile Beach at K’gari around 6am on Monday. She had only been on the island for roughly six weeks.
It is understood she went for an early morning swim around 5am before she was found unresponsive about an hour later by two men driving along the beach.
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“It’s really a very large tragedy,” Queensland Police Inspector Paul Algie said on Tuesday.
“She was a young, healthy Canadian woman who was enjoying the trip.”
Early on Wednesday morning, Ms James’ father posted a heartbreaking tribute on social media, remembering his daughter’s adventurous spirit.
“Our hearts are shattered as we share the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter, Piper. We will always remember her infectious laugh and her kind spirit,” Todd James wrote, accompanied by a series of photos of his daughter skiing, motorbiking, surfing and enjoying the recent AC/DC show in Sydney.
“I admired her strength and determination to go after her dreams.”
He recalled her sense of independence, even humour, about travelling across the world to Australia.
“She was glad I was on board for her trip to Australia. Lol, she said, ‘Because I’m 18, you can’t stop me!’” he recalled.
Mr James said he loved hearing about the friendships she was forming as she “grew into her beautiful self”. He added that Piper “loved” and was “proud” to work at British Columbia Wildfire Services.
“Piper would work hard so she could play hard. So many are going to miss you, my precious little baby girl. Maybe gone, but how can we ever forget you? The pain...RIP my baby.”
Ms James had been travelling with a friend, who was also Canadian.
“(Her friend) is very traumatised, she’s been supported by her friends at the backpackers where they were working,” Insp. Algie said.
A campsite near where Ms James was found has since been closed and patrols on the island have been increased.
Ms James’ autopsy will be carried out on Wednesday.
