A friend of a Canadian woman whose body was found on an Australian beach surrounded by dingoes says the death has left her community in shock.
Police in the Australian state of Queensland say the body of a 19-year-old woman was discovered on a beach on K’gari, also known as Fraser Island. Authorities said the body had been “interfered with” by a pack of about 10 dingoes. Police have not confirmed the woman’s identity, though Australian media have reported she was Piper James.
Close friend Brianna Falk said she first learned of the incident through early news reports while at work and feared it might involve someone she knew. Those fears were later confirmed through another friend who learned of the death from the woman’s family.
Falk said she met James three years ago in a high school English class in Campbell River and described her as someone who loved life, enjoyed being outdoors and was always willing to talk and connect with others.
“We had so many plans and she was so young,” Falk told The Canadian Press. “You never think it’s going to be somebody you know, let alone one of your closest friends.”
Australian authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.