‘Hero’ father killed in Cooktown crocodile attack

Writing for News.com.au, journalist Alexis Carey, sister-in-law of Dr Hogbin, said his family wanted to speak out to raise awareness over how dangerous the area is and so his children “know exactly how amazing a man he really was”.

The GP, from Newcastle, New South Wales, had been on a camping holiday with his wife Jane and three sons – aged seven, five and two – when he was taken by a 4.9m (16ft) crocodile on Saturday afternoon, she wrote.

Clearing up an initial suggestion from police that he had been fishing, Ms Carey said the family had been walking along a path on a 5m high (16ft) river bank when a portion of it gave way and he was unable to get out of the water.

She said his wife, also a GP, slid down to pull Dr Hogbin out and was able to grab his arm, but she also 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,” Ms Carey said.

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

She said the fact his children did not witness their dad’s final moments was a “small piece of consolation”.