Authorities are investigating the death of a 19-year-old Canadian woman found on K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, in Queensland, Australia. Her body was discovered on the morning of March 4, 2024, approximately 90 minutes after she went for a swim on the beach, a popular tourist location known for its stunning scenery and wildlife.
The police received a call at 6:35 a.m. about a body located near a shipwreck on the beach. Paul Algie, a police inspector, reported that two men driving an SUV noticed around ten dingoes near the woman’s body. “It was obviously a very traumatic and horrific scene for them to uncover,” Algie remarked during a press briefing. He confirmed that there were markings on her body consistent with having been touched by dingoes.
As investigators work to determine the cause of death, a post-mortem examination is expected to be completed soon. Algie noted, “We simply can’t confirm whether this young lady drowned or died as a result of being attacked by dingoes.” The woman had been living and working at a tourist accommodation on the island for about six weeks prior to her death.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has acknowledged the ongoing investigation in Australia. An RCMP spokesperson expressed condolences, stating, “We were saddened to hear about the loss of this young person, and our hearts go out to the family and all those impacted.”
Local authorities have highlighted the increasing presence of dingoes in the area, which has raised concerns among residents and tourists. George Seymour, the local mayor, informed 9News that the last fatal dingo attack on the island occurred 25 years ago. He emphasized that there has been an “escalation of aggressive dingo activity” in recent years. Seymour added, “A big part of what the rangers do is to try and separate dingoes from humans, but we’re continuing to have this situation of dingoes, and in some ways it’s inevitable that there will be a fatality.”
The dangers posed by dingoes have been underscored by previous incidents. In a notable case three years ago, a pack of dingoes nearly killed a 23-year-old jogger who was saved by a tourist who intervened. About 200 dingoes roam freely on K’gari and are classified as a protected native species within the World Heritage-listed national park.
The recent return of tourists following the COVID-19 pandemic has reportedly contributed to changes in dingo behavior. Younger animals have become more aggressive and less fearful of humans, which has resulted in an increase in interactions between tourists and wildlife. In 2023, two Australian women faced fines of approximately $1,500 AUD for taking selfies with dingoes on the island, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding human-dingo interactions.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging caution among visitors to the island. The tragic death of this young woman serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with wildlife encounters in such popular natural settings.
