GP killed in crocodile attack

A New South Wales GP has been identified as the victim of a fatal crocodile attack while on a family holiday in Far North Queensland.
 
Family members have confirmed Dr David Hogbin was taken by a crocodile near Cooktown on Saturday.
 
The 40-year-old Newcastle man was on a camping holiday with his wife and three young sons when he was taken by the 4.9-metre animal after falling down an embankment and into a river.
 
Emergency services were called to the Annan River Bridge around 2.10 pm on Saturday, following reports of the missing man.
 
On Tuesday, Queensland Police confirmed human remains were located within a crocodile at Cooktown, and further testing will be conducted to determine a positive identity.
 
In a statement from his family published on news.com.au, his wife Jane said she has ‘lost a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend and doctor’.
 
She said she was able to grab his arm but, when she began slipping into the river herself, Dr Hogbin’s final act was to let go to keep her out of the water.
 
‘David touched so many people’s lives that everyone deserves to know who he was and how it all ended for him,’ Jane told the publication.
 
‘He was being selfless in his final moment and we’re really proud of that, even though it was putting him in danger.
 
‘We’re going to miss him, he can’t be replaced, and we’re super proud of him. It brings us some comfort to know that in the last years of Dave’s life, he had never been happier.’


Emergency services searching for the missing 40-year-old doctor in Far North Queensland. (Image: Queensland Police) 

According to a Go Fund Me page set up to support Dr Hogbin’s family, his ‘enthusiasm and cheer were infectious’.
 
‘We all miss him so much but are also immensely grateful for the love and support that we have been inundated with,’ it says.
 
According to the Jewells Medical Centre where Dr Hogbin worked, he graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2014 before entering general practice in 2018 and completed his training in 2021.
 
‘David enjoys all aspects of general practice but is particularly interested in paediatrics, dermatology and acute care,’ the clinic’s website states.
 
‘In his spare time, Dave enjoys four-wheel driving and camping with his wife and three boys.’
 
Queensland wildlife officers euthanised the crocodile, which was located in a small creek during a helicopter search around four kilometres away from the incident location.
 
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