Annan River crocodile attack victim identified as Newcastle doctor

The man killed by a saltwater crocodile after he fell into the Annan River south of Cooktown earlier this month has been identified as a Newcastle doctor who was travelling around Cape York with family.

Dr David Hogbin, 40, was on a camping and four-wheel drive trip with his wife, Jane, and their three young sons when the incident occurred at about 2:10pm on 3 August.

A general practitioner, Dr Hogbin had an interest in paediatrics, dermatology and acute care, and worked from Jewells Medical Centre.

On 6 August, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) advised human remains had been located inside the 4.9-metre crocodile believed to be responsible for the fatal attack on Dr Hogbin at Crocodile Bend, about seven kilometres south of Cooktown, three days prior.

“A formal identification process is under way, however, it is believed the remains are those of a missing 40-year-old New South Wales man,” police said in a statement, adding a report would be prepared for the coroner.

“Further testing will be conducted to determine a positive identity.”

It comes after Department of Environment, Science and Innovation wildlife officers euthanised the reptile on 5 August after an intensive search for it and Dr Hogbin.

The crocodile was located in a small creek during a helicopter search about four kilometres upstream from Crocodile Bend.

While reports initially indicated Dr Hogbin had fallen into the river while fishing, police have since said they now believe he was walking along a pathway on top of the bank when it collapsed underneath him

“Following initial investigations, police understand the man was not fishing at the time of his disappearance, but slipped and fell into the water and failed to resurface,” a QPS spokesperson told Cape York Weekly.

“Investigations are continuing.”

In a deeply personal article published last week, News Corp journalist Alexis Carey, who was Dr Hobgin’s sister-in-law, recounted his love of the outdoors and his “final, selfless act” for his family.

“He had a passion for camping and [four-wheel drive], and exploring Australia,” she wrote.

“He had travelled extensively throughout the region – in fact, he had been in the exact same spot less than a year earlier, was cautious by nature, and was acutely aware of the dangers posed by crocodiles.

“[I]t is believed a portion of the bank suddenly gave way, perhaps due to recent heavy rainfall in the area; it caused Dave to fall down into the river below, and despite being tall, strong and fit, the conditions of the terrain meant Dave was unable to get himself out of the water.

“But Jane was nearby, and after hearing the splash, she slid down to desperately try and pull Dave out; due to the steepness and slipperiness of the bank, she was able to grab his arm, but soon began slipping into the river herself.

“Dave’s final, decisive act was to let go of Jane’s arm when he realised she was falling in, despite knowing she was his only lifeline; within moments, he was taken.

“Dave’s brave decision in that terrifying moment very likely saved his wife’s life, ensuring she was able to return to their boys.”