Canadian teen found dead on beach in Australia surrounded by dingoes
A Canadian woman was found dead on a beach in Queensland, Australia, reportedly surrounded by a pack of dingoes.
Queensland police are investigating the “sudden death” of the 19-year-old Canadian on an island in Australia. According to a news release, police were called to the beach on K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, at 6:35 a.m. local time on Jan. 19.
Local authorities said her body was found unresponsive north of the Maheno Shipwreck, which is located on 75 Mile Beach. The Canadian was declared dead shortly after her body was found. She had reportedly gone for a swim at around 5 a.m. local time.
Maheno Shipwreck on K’gari, Australia (eva.rgzz/Shutterstock)
The Canadian’s body was discovered by two men who were driving past the beach. They say they saw a pack of about 10 dingoes surrounding her, reported The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We simply can’t confirm whether this young lady drowned or died as a result of being attacked by dingoes,” Insp. Paul Algie told local media in a news conference.
“There were markings on her body consistent with being touched and interfered with by the dingoes.”
The Canadian citizen had reportedly worked at a backpackers’ hostel for the past six weeks. According to The Herald, the 19-year-old was joined by a friend from Canada, who is helping authorities in Australia get in touch with the woman’s family back home.
Vehicles on the beach in K’gari (Go Gala/Shutterstock)
K’gari’s 75 Mile Beach is actually known for being a highway for vehicles, attracting tourists who want to experience driving on the sand. The waters have been described as “treacherous” by visitors due to rip tides and sharks.
According to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, the surf was rough the morning of Jan. 19, with winds reaching 25 knots.
Dingoes scavenging for food along 75 Mile Beach on K’gari (Hyserb/Shutterstock)
At least four dingo attacks were reported on K’gari in 2025, according to The Herald. The worst attack happened in 2001, when a nine-year-old boy was mauled by two dingoes.
“I implore all people that visit K’gari, which is a beautiful place, that you do not go near dingoes, that you do not feed dingoes, and that you just leave them to live their life,” said Algie.
Queensland police have contacted the RCMP. Daily Hive has reached out to Global Affairs and the RCMP for a statement. We will update this story when they respond.