Overview
- Butchulla elders led a smoking ceremony on the eastern beach where the 19-year-old Canadian backpacker was found, with her parents walking into the surf and friends joining in grief.
- The James family held a private cremation in Brisbane and will return to British Columbia with Piper’s remains for a February 28 celebration of life.
- A preliminary coroner’s report identifies drowning as the most likely cause of death, with further forensic testing still required before a final determination.
- Authorities reported dingoes had contacted Piper before and after her death, and six animals linked to the incident have been euthanised.
- Piper was discovered on January 19 near the SS Maheno wreck after telling friends she planned a pre-dawn swim, and passers-by found her body surrounded by about 10 dingoes.