The wife of a doctor killed by a crocodile in far north Queensland has told how her “wonderful husband” sacrificed himself in a brave final act that likely saved her life.
Newcastle doctor David Hogbin, 40, was on holiday with his wife Jane and their three young sons near Cooktown when he was taken by a crocodile on Saturday.
He was walking along an established path on a riverbank when it is believed part of the bank gave way, causing Hogbin to fall into the river below.
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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 to pull him out,” family friend Alex Ward wrote on GoFundMe.
“Due to the steepness and slipperiness of the bank, Jane was able to grab his arm but began slipping into the river herself.”
Jane said her husband was “doing everything right” when everything changed in seconds.
“He saved me — his last act was to not pull me in with him,” she told News Corp.
Hogbin’s decision to let go of his wife’s arm meant she was able to find safety on the riverbank as he was taken by the crocodile.
“I’m glad I’m still here, because it could have been a million-fold worse for everyone involved, not just the boys,” Jane said.
“I have a lot of comfort in knowing there’s nothing that I’m frustrated or angry about — he was just walking around a corner on a well-worn path.”
Ward said it was a “small consolation” Hogbin’s three young sons did not directly see him being taken by the crocodile.
Now, Jane is focused on helping them through the tragedy and keeping memories of their father alive.
“I want them to know how dedicated he was as a father — he always jokingly offered to be a stay-at-home dad and never work again, because they were his number one priority,” she said.
“David touched so many people’s lives that everyone deserves to know who he was and how it all ended for him.
“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.”
Hogbin’s heartbroken parents and siblings told the publication they were proud of Hogbin for his “selfless” final moment.
“We want people to know how brave he was — he was a hero, and the boys will always know that,” the family said.
“It brings us some comfort to know that in the last years of Dave’s life, he had never been happier.”
The incident on Saturday sparked an extensive search, before a crocodile reportedly measuring 4.9m was captured and killed on Monday afternoon.
Human remains, believed to be Hogbin pending official confirmation, were found in the crocodile.
According to a biography on a former employer’s website, Hogbin 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.
He most recently worked alongisde his wife at Jewells Medical Centre, where colleagues remembered him as “caring” and selfless.
“David was wonderfully compassionate,” colleague Dr Damien Whittaker told 7NEWS.
“He gave all his time to people, no matter what they needed.
“We’re really devastated with sadness for his wife Jane and their children and all of his family.”
Dr Michael Swanson said his co-worker was “very friendly”.
“His kids were everything to him,” he said.
Patients were also devastated by the news, telling 7NEWS Hogbin was a “fantastic” doctor.
“He was a lovely, lovely man,” one said.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
