A 40-year-old pastor was fatally attacked by a shark while fishing with his family near Humpy Island in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on Saturday, authorities have confirmed.
The shark bit him on the neck, causing life-threatening injuries, and he died at the scene despite emergency efforts, Queensland police and ambulance services reported.
The victim, Luke Walford, was a youth pastor at the Cathedral of Praise church in Rockhampton, Queensland. He was believed to have been spearfishing at the time of the attack.
Community leaders expressed their sorrow at Walford’s passing. Local MP Donna Kirkland described him as “an inspirational leader” and extended condolences to his family.
The church’s pastor, Claude Fingleton, said Walford was “greatly loved” and known for his dedication to people and faith.
Humpy Island, a popular camping and snorkelling site, lies in Keppel Bay Islands National Park within the reef.
Australia’s last fatal shark attack occurred in December 2023 when a great white shark killed a teenage surfer in South Australia. Shark incidents, though rare, have claimed over 250 lives in the country since 1791.
