🚨 “Never thought they would do that.” — A beach resident just handed police shocking video footage that flips the script on the tragic death of Piper James, the 19-year-old Canadian backpacker found surrounded by a pack of dingoes on K’gari’s beach.

What the clip reveals about the moments before and after her body was discovered has left locals stunned and pushed the investigation into uncharted territory. Was there more to that fateful morning swim than anyone realized?

This new evidence is changing everything… 💔🦈🌊

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A major twist has emerged in the investigation surrounding the death of 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James, whose body was discovered on a remote beach on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) surrounded by a pack of dingoes. A local beach resident recently provided Queensland Police with previously unseen video footage that has introduced a disturbing new perspective, prompting officials to re-examine key details of the incident.

Piper James, from Campbell River, British Columbia, was on a backpacking adventure in Australia when she went for an early-morning swim on January 19, 2026, along the Eastern Beach near Orchid Beach. She had ventured out alone around 5 a.m., drawn to the serene beauty of the World Heritage-listed island’s 75 Mile Beach. Approximately 90 minutes later, two men driving south along the beach spotted a large pack of about 10 dingoes circling what appeared to be an object in the sand. Upon closer inspection, they discovered James’ body and alerted authorities.

Initial reports described the scene as harrowing: James’ remains showed signs of interference by the wild dogs, known locally as wongari on K’gari. Preliminary autopsy findings from the Coroners Court of Queensland revealed “physical evidence consistent with drowning” alongside injuries matching dingo bites. A spokesperson noted pre-mortem bite marks that were “not likely to have caused immediate death,” with extensive post-mortem bites also present. Water in her lungs supported drowning as the primary cause, though full pathology results were pending to rule out other factors.

In response to the incident, Queensland authorities deemed six dingoes an “unacceptable public safety risk” and humanely euthanized them, sparking backlash from animal welfare groups, traditional owners, and some members of the public who argued the cull was premature and unnecessary. James’ family expressed mixed feelings, with her father emphasizing her love for nature but acknowledging she may have underestimated the dangers.

The case has drawn parallels to K’gari’s history of dingo encounters. The island hosts one of Australia’s purest dingo populations—estimated at 200-300 animals—due to strict bans on domestic dogs. Past incidents include non-fatal attacks on joggers and campers, but fatal maulings of adults remain exceptionally rare. The most infamous dingo-related tragedy in Australian history was the 1980 Azaria Chamberlain case, where a baby was taken from a tent.

Now, the investigation has taken a dramatic turn with the submission of new video evidence. A resident living near the beach area provided police with footage captured on or around the morning of the incident. Sources close to the inquiry describe the video as showing activity involving the dingoes and possibly elements of the surrounding environment or human presence that were not previously documented. The resident reportedly expressed shock, stating, “Never thought they would do that,” referring to behaviors observed in the clip that deviated from typical dingo patterns or expectations.

Queensland Police have not released specifics about the video’s contents, citing the ongoing coronial investigation, but confirmed its receipt and integration into the case file. The footage is being reviewed for any additional context it may provide regarding the sequence of events, potential contributing factors to James’ drowning, or the dingoes’ actions. Authorities emphasized that no evidence of foul play has surfaced, and the inquiry continues to focus on natural causes, environmental conditions, and wildlife behavior.

James’ family has been briefed on the development. Her father, Todd James, previously shared emotional tributes on social media, describing his daughter as strong, adventurous, and passionate about the outdoors—she had worked with the B.C. Wildfire Service and embraced the freedom of travel. In statements to media, he highlighted her excitement for the Australian leg of her journey, though he noted she did not carry a “dingo stick” (a recommended deterrent) as she felt safe in the popular tourist area.

The video’s emergence has reignited public debate over dingo management on K’gari. Conservationists argue for non-lethal strategies like education, fencing, and habitat monitoring, while some locals and safety advocates call for stricter controls following repeated incidents. Premier David Crisafulli has not ruled out broader population measures if further evidence links dingoes directly to fatal outcomes.

K’gari remains a draw for international visitors seeking its pristine beaches, rainforests, and wildlife, but the tragedy underscores the risks of remote, untamed environments. Signs warn of dingo dangers, advising against swimming alone, feeding wildlife, or approaching animals. Experts note that dingoes are opportunistic and can become habituated to human food sources, increasing bold behavior in high-traffic areas.

As forensic analysis of the video and ongoing pathology tests proceed, the focus remains on providing James’ family with clarity. The young woman’s death—likely a combination of drowning and environmental hazards—serves as a tragic reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Memorials continue along the beach where she was found, with tributes honoring her spirit and calling for safer coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Queensland Police urge anyone with additional information or footage to come forward. Support services are available for those affected by the incident, including counseling for travelers and locals grappling with the loss.