A father killed and eaten by a crocodile in a far north Queensland river ended up in the water when part of the riverbank collapsed underneath him.
Newcastle doctor David Hogbin’s family is remembering him by a final act of courage that likely saved his wife Jane’s life — letting go of her arm as she tried to help him to safety.
“While walking along an established path on a riverbank, it is believed a portion of the bank gave way, causing Dave to fall into the river with a known crocodile,” family friend Alex Ward wrote on GoFundMe.
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“Jane, who was nearby but not walking with Dave at the time, heard the splash and slid down to desperately try and pull him out.
“Due to the steepness and slipperiness of the bank, Jane was able to grab his arm but began slipping into the river herself.
“Dave’s final, decisive act was to let go of Jane’s arm when he realised she was slipping in, an act that likely saved her life.
“In a world-shattering instant, Dave was taken by the crocodile.”
Ward said it was a “small consolation” that Hogbin’s three young sons did not directly see him being taken by the crocodile.
The incident on Saturday sparked an extensive search, before a crocodile reportedly measuring 4.9m was captured and killed on Monday afternoon.
Human remains were found in the crocodile.
The remains are believed to be Hogbin’s, pending official confirmation, with the search suspended.
According to a biography on a former employer’s website, he trained in medicine at John Hunter Hospital before becoming a GP in 2018.
It said he had professional interests in paediatrics, dermatology and acute care, and enjoyed four-wheel-driving and camping with his family outside of work.
Ward revealed that the family was having “an incredible time” in the far north before the tragedy.
“We lost a loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law and friend,” he said.
“Needless to say, Dave’s family and friends are completely broken.
“His enthusiasm and cheer were infectious, none more so than when he was on 4WD and camping adventures with his family and friends.”
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.