NSW father’s remains found in 4.9m crocodile following fatal Cooktown attack

Police have found the remains of a missing doctor who was believed to have been taken by a large crocodile.

Heartbreaking details have emerged about the final moments before a NSW doctor was taken by a crocodile after he fell into a river.

David Hogbin was nearby a riverbank at the Annan River near Cooktown in Far North Queensland, when he fell into the river on Saturday.

Police have confirmed Dr Hogbin was on a caravan trip when he stopped by the site on Saturday afternoon.

Newcastle doctor David Hogbin has been identified as the man taken by a 4.9m croc from the banks of the Annan River. Picture: Supplied

Authorities feared the father-of-three was taken by the animal, with reports of a large crocodile reported in the area at the time of the attack.

It’s understood he’d fallen into the river while walking along an established path along the riverbank.

Dr Hogbin is being remembered as “ loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law and friend”.

A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to help Dr Hogbin’s wife, Jane, and their three children following the tragic accident.

Dr Hogbin’s friend, Alex Ward, said his mate’s final act was to ensure his wife’s safety as she tried to help out of the croc-infested water.

“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,” Mr Ward wrote on the GoFundMe.

“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.”

Newcastle doctor David Hogbin (left) was travelling with wife Jane (right) and their three children when he died.

Mr Ward said everyone is “completely broken” following the news of the attack.

“But we are so incredibly lucky to have had Dave in our lives,” he said.

“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.”

Mr Ward said he hoped to help raise money to “try to take away some of the immediate financial burden” the Hogbin family now face.

“We all miss him so much but are also immensely grateful for the love and support that we have been inundated with.”

On Monday police confirmed they had tracked and euthanised a 4.9m crocodile, which was found in a small creek about 4km from where Dr Hogbin had disappeared.

By Tuesday morning, Queensland police confirmed human remains had been found within the animal.

While formal identification is still underway, police are confident the remains found belong to the missing man.

“Police are working with wildlife officers as investigations continue,” a statement from Queensland Police read.

Authorities have suspended the search and rescue operation following the find. Credit: 7NEWS

Dr 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.

Dr Hogbin enjoyed four-wheel driving and camping with his wife and three boys, according to his employer.

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.