Tributes are pouring in for a “lovely, friendly and upbeat” doctor and father of three who was killed by a crocodile in far north Queensland.
Newcastle doctor David Hogbin, 40, was on holiday with his fellow doctor wife Jane Bear 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.”
At that point, Hogbin let go of her arm then disappeared.
“He saved me — his last act was to not pull me in with him,” she told News Corp.
Since the tragedy, Jewells Medical Centre, where Dr Hogbin and Dr Bear worked, has shared an emotional tribute.
“We, the Jewells family, are struggling with sadness and grief at losing Dave,” the centre said.
“He was a wonderful GP who was caring and compassionate to all his patients.
“He was the most lovely, friendly and upbeat person.”
Dave “loved to chat” with his workmates and was “kind and thoughtful to everyone”.
“Dave will be greatly missed by all of his colleagues, friends, and the many people he helped throughout his life and career,” the medical centre statement said.
“We are devastated with sadness for Dave’s wife, Dr Jane Bear, their three young children, and all of their family.”
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.
Colleagues have since 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.