Airlie Beach shooting: GoFundMe campaign for Luke Gilbert

Loved ones of the man police shot dead in Airlie Beach after he lunged at officers while armed with a knife have launched a campaign to “bring him and his belongings” back to Western Australia.

Loved ones of the man police shot dead in Airlie Beach have launched a campaign in the hopes of raising $10,000 to “bring him and his belongings” home to Western Australia and “give peace to his family”.

Luke Gilbert had been working in Townsville and was on a night out in the coastal party strip when the tragedy unfolded.

Police fatally shot the 24-year-old over claims he lunged at officers while armed with a knife about 12.20am on October 1 in the tourism centre’s main street.

Luke Gilbert was shot and killed at Airlie Beach. Picture: Facebook

According to police and witnesses, officers had told Mr Gilbert, who was advancing armed with a black-handled knife with a 4-5cm blade, to put the weapon down and fired warning shots.

When he continued to move towards police, they were forced to open fire and he suffered fatal injuries.

Police immediately began CPR on Mr Gilbert but tragically he died a short time later.

His grieving parents have since slammed the actions of Queensland Police Service demanding answers.

Now Shontay O’Brien, the girlfriend of Mr Gilbert’s brother, has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to return Mr Gilbert and his belongings to Perth – it has already raised more than $5800 in five days.

The taped off scene where a man was shot dead by police in Airlie Beach.

“Bring our boy home,” Ms O’Brien wrote.

“So many people loved Luke … let’s bring him and his belongings home to Perth from where he was living in Qld (sic) over 4000km away to give peace to his family.

“As the girlfriend of Luke’s brother, I feel with so many friends and family in three states and two countries this is the best way to offer support at this traumatic time.”

Ms O’Brien thanks everyone for their support.

“For the people who don’t know Luke was shot and killed by police in Airlie Beach Qld,” she said.

“His family live in Mandurah WA and want to bring him and all his possessions including his beloved HiLux home.

“Repatriation will be over $6k (sic) and to bring his belongings will be over $4k and on top of the costs of the funeral itself you can imagine that this is an extra stain.”

The incident was captured on CCTV and police body worn cameras.