A youth pastor has died following a shark attack near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Luke Walford, 40, from Rockhampton in Queensland, had been spearfishing with his family at Humpy Island, in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park, when a shark attacked him at around 4:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, Dec. 28, according to the BBC.
A police report stated that he suffered “life-threatening injuries and succumbed to those injuries” at the popular location for diving and snorkeling just before 6 p.m. local time.
His death was the first fatal shark attack in Queensland in over four years, The Guardian reported.
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A leader at the Cathedral of Praise Church in Rockhampton — around 400 miles north of Brisbane — shared two photographs of Walford alongside touching words in a Facebook post.
“It’s with deep sorrow that we share the tragic news of Pastor Luke Walford’s passing,” they wrote. “Last night, we learned that he was attacked by a shark while doing something he loved — spearfishing, a passion that was passed down to him by his father.”
“I’ve had the privilege of watching Luke grow from a child to a remarkable young man,” they continued. “I dedicated him as a baby, and over the last 10 to 13 years, I’ve witnessed his incredible contributions as part of our church staff. He was truly a beloved figure, especially among our young people, children, and the entire congregation,” they added.
One photograph showed Walford in a brightly colored shirt singing and playing the guitar, while in the other he was holding a microphone in front of a crowd.
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Luke Walford Facebook
The Facebook post encouraged members of the church to “take comfort in the promises of God” following his death.
“Our prayers are with Luke’s family, especially his wife, his mother, and all his relatives. We ask God to strengthen them, provide them with peace, and bring them through this unimaginable time. Please continue to lift them up in prayer as they navigate the days ahead,” the post added.
Commenters described Walford as “the most generous person” as they discussed the legacy he left behind.
According to the BBC, there have been four shark attacks recorded in Australia during 2024. Overall, only the U.S. records more shark attacks each year.
Local lawmaker Donna Kirkland told the outlet that Walford had been a friend to her and “countless others.”
“My prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his beautiful family and indeed the many who will be devastated, as I am, at this news”, she added.
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