Wife reveals heroic final act of Cooktown crocodile attack victim David Hogbin
The Australian father who was killed after being taken by a crocodile in Queensland's Far North has been identified as NSW doctor David Hogbin.
The Australian father who was killed after being taken by a crocodile in Queensland's Far North at the weekend has been identified as NSW doctor David Hogbin.
Yahoo News confirmed his identity with Windale Medical Centre in the Lake Macquarie region where he had recently worked. It's understood Hogbin was visiting the area with his family on Saturday when a 4.9m crocodile was believed to have snatched him after he slipped on the banks of the Annan River at Cooktown at 2.10pm.
Police confirmed on Tuesday human remains were located in a crocodile that was shot dead at Cooktown on Monday. The animal was located four kilometres upstream from Crocodile Bend where Hogbin was snatched.
Doctor's final selfless act to save wife life revealed
According to family, the respected doctor and father-of-three used his final moments alive to save his wife from sharing his ultimate fate.
Speaking out in a bid to set the record straight — amid conflicting reports which suggested Hogbin was fishing prior to his death — his wife Jane told news.com.au the family were actually nowhere near the water at the time.
She said while walking on a pathway along a 15-metre-high riverbank, a portion of the bank suddenly gave way which caused Hogbin to slip into the river below. Despite being fit and tall, the conditions, likely exacerbated by recent rain, meant he was unable to pull himself from the water.
Nearby, Jane heard the splash and leapt to her husband's aid. She was able to grab hold of his arm, but soon began slipping into the river herself. Hogbin's final act alive was to let go of his wife's arm when he realised she was too falling in, despite the knowledge she was his only chance at survival.
Merely moments later he vanished.
"I want to put a face to this tragedy – someone didn’t just get killed by a crocodile, we have lost a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend and doctor," Jane told news.com.au.
"We were just enjoying a standard day of our holiday and everything just changed within 30 seconds. He wasn’t doing anything wrong – in fact, he was doing everything right, and this still happened. Things can change so quickly in an instant despite doing everything right.
"He saved me – his last act was to not pull me in with him. I’m glad I’m still here, because it could have been a millionfold worse for everyone involved, not just the boys."
A fundraising campaign has been established to support Hogbin's wife and their three boys.
Respected doctor frequented croc country, enjoyed camping
Hogbin worked at Jewells Medical Centre, 16km south of Newcastle. His special medical interest was pediatrics, dermatology and acute care after a career in real estate and nuclear medicine.
Hogbin enjoyed four-wheel driving and camping with his wife and three boys, according to his employer.
He was passionate about exploring Australia and had extensively travelled throughout the region in which died. It's understood Hogbin had been in the exact same spot less than a year earlier and was distinctly aware of the dangers posed by crocodiles.
Disturbing video emerges after dad taken in front of family
Earlier on Monday, footage was made available to Yahoo News showing fishermen feeding a crocodile — believed to be the same that attacked Hogbin — an esky-load of fish frames.
Witnesses have reported the practice has been carried out for years. After being made aware of the video, DESI warned people visiting not to illegally feed crocodiles.
"Crocodiles will quickly get accustomed to free food and will start approaching people and may start behaving aggressively," it said.
Speaking at a briefing on Monday, Department of Environment, Science and Innovation senior conversation officer Daniel Guymer criticised reported actions of people throwing roadkill into the river which were then eaten by the crocodiles.
He said the behaviour was "risky and reckless". "So any information and evidence in relation to alleged illegal activities, such as the unlawful feeding of a crocodile at that location, they will be investigated by our wildlife officers," he said.
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