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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
Damon Cronshaw

'Great doctor': friends and patients pay tribute after crocodile attack

Dr David Hogbin and wife Dr Jane Bear. Picture supplied

A Newcastle doctor tragically taken by a crocodile in Far North Queensland is being remembered as "a wonderful GP", a kind person and a good soccer player.

Tributes continued to flow for Dr David Hogbin, as a fundraiser for his family surpassed $85,000.

Dr Hogbin, 40, was on holiday with his family when he tragically died.

He had been walking along an established path at Annan River Bridge, near Cooktown, on Saturday afternoon.

It is believed a portion of the bank gave way, causing him to fall into the river.

David Soede said Dr Hogbin was "a good friend and a great person, who put others before himself".

"He was a great sportsman, especially at football where I played a few seasons with him for The Lakes Church," Mr Soede said.

"He was skillful, athletic, competitive, team-spirited and bagged a heap of goals.

"He was brave, he was good, he was kind. He became a successful real estate agent out of school with an easy laugh and genuine manner, then became a doctor to serve others."

He added that he "always had a warm smile for everyone and just loved life".

Tasha Parnell said she and her daughter were patients of Dr Hogbin when he worked at a clinic in Thornton.

"He was amazing with my daughter and her many skin allergies. He managed to get her in to see a specialist so quick," Ms Parnell said.

"He was a great doctor who paid attention to your history, always made you feel like he knew you. He will be greatly missed."

Dr David Hogbin with his family (left), wife Dr Jane Bear (right) and the scene of the attack in Queensland.

Dr Hogbin was a doctor at Jewells Medical Centre and previously worked at the Windale Community Medical Centre.

The Jewells clinic said in a statement that: "We, the Jewells family, are struggling with sadness and grief at losing Dave".

"He was a wonderful GP who was caring and compassionate to all his patients. He was the most lovely, friendly and upbeat person," the statement said.

"Dave loved to chat with his workmates, was kind and thoughtful to everyone."

The statement added that he would be "greatly missed by all his colleagues, friends and the many people he helped throughout his life and career".

"We are devastated with sadness for Dave's wife, Dr Jane Bear, their three young children and all their family. We are immensely grateful for the messages received of love and support from our community.

"Jewells Medical Centre is open and we will try to keep going as best we can in the circumstances. We are very thankful for everyone's understanding."

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) president Nicole Higgins said Dr Hogbin's death had "shocked and deeply saddened the general practice community".

"It is tragic to lose a life in such circumstances, and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones at this time," Dr Higgins said.

Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison said on social media she was "so sorry to hear of the tragic loss".

"My condolences to his family, loved ones and colleagues. I'm sure he'll be dearly missed," Ms Harrison said.

A GoFundMe for Dr Hogbin's family soared past $85,000 since news broke of the death. One anonymous donor gave $5000, while two others gave $2000 each

As was reported on Tuesday, when Dr Hogbin fell in the water, his wife heard the splash and slid down the bank to desperately try to pull him out.

"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," the fundraiser stated.

Dr Hogbin's family said he had a passion for camping, four-wheel driving and exploring Australia. He had travelled extensively through the region where he died.

He was cautious by nature and acutely aware of the dangers posed by crocodiles.

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