Piper James, the 19-year-old Canadian backpacker who was found dead on K’gari, has been remembered as a “beautiful” and “precious” daughter by friends and family.

On Monday, the body of James was discovered on K’gari’s Orchid Beach, surrounded by a pack of dingoes. It’s believed that she went for an early-morning swim before she died.

Following news of her death, James’ father Todd James posted a heartfelt tribute to his daughter, sharing that the family are “shattered” by the tragedy.

“Our hearts are shattered as we share the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter, Piper,” James wrote on Facebook.

“We will always remember her infectious laugh and her kind spirit. I admired her strength and determination to go after her dream.”

(Image source: Facebook)
(Image source: Facebook)

James said he was supportive of his daughter’s trip to Australia and “loved hearing about and seeing the bonds and friendships” she made on her journey.

“She loved and was proud of her work at BC Wildfire Services,” James wrote.

“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.”

James’ post has since been flooded with tributes to his daughter, with many friends and family sharing fond memories of his daughter.
Friends have remembered Piper as an “amazing young lady”. (Image source: Facebook)
According to 9News, James was working as a firefighter in Canada. She was working from home with a friend at a hostel on K’gari in the six weeks before her death

Per the publication, James’ body was found covered with bites and scratches. An autopsy will be conducted on the body in mainland Queensland to determine whether she died from drowning or being mauled by dingoes.

The Queensland Government has temporarily closed a campsite near where James’ body was found, and multiple signs warning of dingo activity have been installed on the island, ABC News reports.