Dr. Hogbin, general practitioner at Jewells Medical Centre near Belmont Victim Of Suspected Croc Attack.

6 August 2024

A large crocodile suspected of attacking and killing a 40-year-old father from Lake Macquarie has been euthanised as the search for the missing man continues near Cooktown, Queensland.

The man, Dr. David Hogbin, was fishing with his wife and children at Annan River Bridge on Saturday afternoon when he fell into the water and did not resurface. Dr. Hogbin was a general practitioner at Jewells Medical Centre near Belmont, Newcastle.

Rangers targeted a crocodile with a distinctive scar on its snout after the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) identified it as the “target animal.” The crocodile was found in a creek 4km upstream from the suspected attack site and was humanely euthanised.

“Wildlife officers have humanely euthanised a large crocodile that is believed to be responsible for the fatal attack on the Annan River,” DESI said in a statement. “The animal had markings on its snout that were consistent with it being the target animal. Wildlife officers are removing the animal from the creek and will hand it over to the Queensland Police Service.”

Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Shane Holmes offered condolences to the family and confirmed that human remains found within the crocodile are believed to be those of Dr. Hogbin, although further testing is needed. A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Dr. Hogbin, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, had worked in several medical centres in New South Wales. He was known for his interest in paediatrics, dermatology, and acute care, and enjoyed four-wheel driving and camping with his wife and three boys.

Authorities continue to support the family during this traumatic time. “Police are rallying around the family, offering them all available support for their wellbeing,” said Superintendent Holmes.

DESI is investigating social media videos showing people feeding a crocodile at the Annan River, describing such behaviour as “very risky and reckless.” Feeding crocodiles is illegal and can lead to a $6,452 fine.

Local wildlife carer Beau Peberdy condemned the behaviour, stating, “To see people conditioning an animal to come in to feed from people, it becomes dangerous in any situation.”

Russell Bowman, a local fishing tackle shop owner, noted that while some locals had been feeding crocodiles due to a lack of disposal options for fish scraps, this practice increased the risk of such tragic incidents.

The search and rescue operation for Dr. Hogbin has been suspended, but authorities continue to urge the public to report any illegal activities and practice “CrocWise” behaviour in known crocodile habitats.

GoFundMe

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Alex Ward to support Jane and their three boys, aiming to alleviate some of the immediate financial burdens and help them navigate life without Dr. Hogbin. The page highlights Dr. Hogbin’s love for his family and his infectious enthusiasm for 4WD and camping adventures.

On there, Alex said:

On Saturday the 3rd of August, my incredible mate Dave Hogbin lost his life in a tragic accident. We lost a loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law and friend. Dave was having an incredible time on a 4WD and camping trip in Far North Queensland with his wife, Jane, his three beautiful boys and Jane’s family. 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.

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. One small consolation is that none of Dave’s children witnessed this event.

Needless to say, Dave’s family and friends are completely broken. But we are so incredibly lucky to have had Dave in our lives. Dave had achieved something that we will all strive to emulate; he realised before it was too late that he had everything he needed in life in his family, friends, and the time they were able to enjoy together. His enthusiasm and cheer were infectious, none more so than when he was on 4WD and camping adventures with his family and friends. It was a mutual love and discovery of 4WDing that brought me so close to Dave, and I’m not sure if I can do it without him (which he would scoff at and tell me to get back out there and continue the adventurous legacy he has created for his boys). This page has been set up, with the permission of Dave’s immediate family, to benefit Dave’s wife, Jane, and his three boys. The goal is to try to take away some of the immediate financial burden associated with such tragic events and support them while they try to navigate life without Dave. Any small amount or simply a message of support will be incredibly valued. We all miss him so much but are also immensely grateful for the love and support that we have been inundated with.

Written by: Newy Staff