A horrific shark attack has claimed the life of a youth pastor while he was spearfishing with his family on an island off the Central Queensland coast.
Luke Walford, 40, was attacked just after 4:30 pm on Saturday afternoon at the Humpy Island camping area in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park.
Rescue Efforts Prove Futile
A rescue helicopter was called to the scene, but despite the best efforts of paramedics, Mr. Walford sadly passed away just before 6 pm.
A Devoted Leader and Family Man
Luke Walford was a well-loved and respected member of his community, having worked as a school chaplain for the Cathedral of Praise Church and Heights College in Rockhampton for nearly a decade. He was not only a devoted leader but also a loving husband and family man.
Community in Mourning
Friends and colleagues have described Mr. Walford as a “beautiful soul” and an “inspirational leader”. Family friend Doug Webber said, “Luke had so much to offer this world in helping people. He was a beautiful soul.” Cathedral of Praise Church pastor Claude Fingleton added, “This was a young man who loved people, who loved God. Him and his wife were just a wonderful couple. They loved to serve people.”
Tributes Pour In
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said the community had lost an “inspirational leader” and a “family friend to many”. Keppel MP Nigel Hutton also expressed his condolences, saying the community was sending thoughts and prayers to Mr. Walford’s family.