Support Dave Hogbin's family after tragic crocodile attack

On Saturday the 3rd of August, my incredible mate Dave Hogbin lost his life in a tragic accident. We lost a loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law and friend.

Dave was having an incredible time on a 4WD and camping trip in Far North Queensland with his wife, Jane, his three beautiful boys and Jane’s family. While walking along an established path on a riverbank, it is believed a portion of the bank gave way, causing Dave to fall into the river with a known crocodile.

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. 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.

Needless to say, Dave’s family and friends are completely broken. But we are so incredibly lucky to have had Dave in our lives. 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. It was a mutual love and discovery of 4WDing that brought me so close to Dave, and I’m not sure if I can do it without him (which he would scoff at and tell me to get back out there and continue the adventurous legacy he has created for his boys).

This page has been set up, with the permission of Dave’s immediate family, to benefit Dave’s wife, Jane, and his three boys. The goal is to try to take away some of the immediate financial burden associated with such tragic events and support them while they try to navigate life without Dave. Any small amount or simply a message of support will be incredibly valued.

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