Daily London
An autopsy has given inconclusive results as to her cause of death.
The autopsy shows evidence of fluid on the 19-year-old’s lungs but it remains unclear how the fluid entered her body.
A Coroners Court spokesperson said it was not likely another person was involved in James’ death.
“Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death,” the spokesperson said.
“There are extensive post-mortem dingo bite marks.”
Police believe there are three potential causes of death – that she drowned and mauled posthumously, that she was attacked and killed by dingoes, or that she drowned after being chased into the water by the dingoes.
Today the Department of the Environment and Tourism in Queensland said they would euthanise the animals after they observed “aggressive behaviour”.
“We are aware of the initial findings of Piper James’ autopsy. We extend our deepest sympathies to Piper’s family and loved ones,” a spokesperson said.
“Rangers have closely monitored the pack of dingoes involved in the incident this week and have observed some aggressive behaviour. Following the initial autopsy findings, this pack’s involvement in the incident, and observations since, this pack has been deemed an unacceptable public safety risk.
“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Rangers are currently implementing actions accordingly.
“There is no public safety risk during this process. Dingoes involved in Monday’s incident will be humanely euthanised.
“Public safety is our top priority, and this decision is informed and in the public interest.”
Her father Todd James told 9News last night that tests continue on other samples taken from her body.
The results could take up to two months.
Mr James told 9News the family was relieved the results meant her body could be released back to her family in Canada.
He also said he and his wife Angela had been invited to attend an Indigenous smoking ceremony on K’gari, which they said they would be honoured to accept.
Speaking to 9News from their family home on Vancouver Island earlier this week, Piper’s mum Angela James said her daughter had been “having the time of her life” in Australia.
“She loved it there. She just loved it. She thought it was beautiful,” Mrs James said.
James would often phone her parents early in the morning from the beach on K’gari.
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