Doctor saved wife before fatal crocodile attack
David Hogbin's remains were found inside a crocodile near Cooktown after it was humanely killed. Photo: HANDOUT/GOFUNDME
The final act of a father of three was to save his wife from being dragged into crocodile infested water with the creature that claimed his life.
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Doctor David Hogbin, 40, from NSW was identified on Tuesday as the victim of a 4.9m crocodile attack near Cooktown in far north Queensland.
Mr Hogbin had been on a camping trip with his wife Jane and three sons when the attack happened at Annan River Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
His wife recounted the terrifying 30 seconds when Dr Hogbin fell into the water with a crocodile after part of the riverbank gave way.
The crocodile attack happened near Cooktown in far north Queensland. (HANDOUT/QUEENSLAND POLICE)
After hearing a splash, Ms Hogbin slid down the riverbank to try and save her husband but was only able to grab his arm before slipping into the water herself.
Dr Hogbin's final act was to save his wife.
"He saved me, his last act was to not pull me in with him. I'm glad I'm still here, because it could have been a million-fold worse for everyone involved, not just the boys," she told News Corp.
She said Dr Hogbin was not doing anything wrong, he was simply walking along an established path when the accident occurred.
"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," she said.
"There's no regrets about it, because it's one of those random accidents that happen and nothing could have been done to prevent."
Ms Hogbin wanted a face to be put to the tragedy so people knew about her "loving, thoughtful and fiercely loyal" husband.
"Someone didn't just get killed by a crocodile, we have lost a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, friend and doctor," she said.
The crocodile responsible was found 4km upstream from the attack and was humanely killed on Monday afternoon where human remains were found inside the creature, police said.
Rangers had targeted the crocodile with a distinctive scar near its snout as an extensive three-day search for Dr Hogbin.
Police are working with wildlife officers as investigations continue amid reports crocodiles have been fed by humans at the spot.
A GoFundMe has raised more than $10,000 for the family as of Tuesday afternoon.
Australian Associated Press
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