He was taken too soon.
Luke Walford, a 40-year-old youth pastor from Rockhampton, Queensland, tragically lost his life in a shark attack while spearfishing with his family near Humpy Island in the Great Barrier Reef’s Keppel Bay Islands National Park. He suffered fatal neck injuries during the attack and, despite attempts by emergency responders, passed away at the scene. Walford was a beloved figure in his church community at Cathedral of Praise, where he was remembered as a compassionate and selfless individual who played a key role in the lives of many young people.
At the time of the incident, Walford was on vacation with his family in an area popular for activities like snorkeling and diving, known for its easy access to coral reefs. He had previously shared photos of his spearfishing trips, suggesting he was likely engaged in this activity when the shark attacked. The area is renowned for its vibrant marine life and attracts both locals and tourists alike.
Those who knew Walford remembered him as a dedicated and caring person. His pastor, Claude Fingleton, spoke of his deep love for people and God, and the church community mourned the loss of someone who had made a lasting impact. A family friend, Doug Webber, expressed his sorrow upon realizing that the rescue helicopter circling above was responding to the tragic event. Local politician Donna Kirkland, who considered Walford a family friend, also conveyed her shock and sadness, highlighting his positive influence within the community.
The shark attack occurred in a region known for its marine life incidents, with over 1,200 recorded shark attacks in Australia since 1791, resulting in more than 250 fatalities. While attacks by white sharks, bull sharks, and tiger sharks are the most common, they remain rare occurrences. The most recent fatal attack in Australia was reported in December 2023, when a teenager was killed in South Australia. Though such incidents are infrequent, the tragic death of Walford serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of water-based activities in certain areas.