Luke Walford killed after shark attack while fishing with family on Humpy Island
A 40-year-old man killed in a shark attack off Central Queensland was a school chaplain and avid fisherman, with his death prompting calls for a shark cull in the area.
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A 40-year-old man killed in a horror shark attack off the Queensland coast was a beloved school chaplain and avid fisherman who has been remembered as a “living example of humility, kindness, and unwavering faith”.
Luke Walford had been spearfishing with family near the Keppel Islands on Saturday when he was bitten on the neck by a shark.
The fatal attack has prompted calls for a shark cull in the area, with a local mariner revealing fishermen were struggling to get fish out of the water before they were taken by sharks.
Paramedics desperately worked to save Mr Walford’s life after he suffered neck wounds when he was bitten at about 4.30pm on Saturday afternoon near Humpy Island, about 20km from the mainland.
Shark monitoring has been ramped up around Great Keppel Island following the death, with the Acting Premier vowing human safety would be prioritised over sharks.
An KPMG review of the shark control program has been completed and is now sitting with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Acting Premier Jarrod Bleijie on Monday instructed new Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett to read the report as soon as possible and fastrack any recommendations that could be actioned quickly.
“The former government commissioned KPMG to produce a report on the shark control program,” he said.
“I’m advised that report is completed and with the department, but not with the new minister.
“I’ve asked the minister to get a copy of that report urgently, and if there are things and recommendations in that report that we can fast track, then we will absolutely do that.
“The priority of this government is human safety, before sharks.”
Mr Walford was a chaplain at Rockhampton’s Heights College which praised him as a spiritual leader and role model.
“Chappy Luke, as he was known as, was not just a spiritual leader but also a role model for our young people,” a school spokesman said.
“He was a living example of humility, kindness, and unwavering faith.
“Whether it was on the handball court, at the chess table, or simply chatting with students during lunch sharing his wealth of wisdom, he always made time for them. His ability to connect with every individual, regardless of age or background, was truly remarkable.”
The spokesman said counselling services were being offered to the school community which was praying for Mr Walford’s family including his wife, mother and sisters.
“He walked beside our students, not just guiding them in their faith journey but also inspiring them to embrace life’s challenges with courage and hope, always being available and approachable,” the school spokesman said.
“In his presence, you felt seen, valued, and encouraged. He reminded us of the power of faith and the importance of relationships. His laughter, wisdom, and boundless energy will forever echo in the halls of our school and the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
“As we grieve this heartbreaking loss, we hold onto the legacy he leaves behind — a legacy of love, faith, and selfless service.”
A Fisheries Queensland spokesperson said on Monday that there was no information available on the type of shark involved.
The spokesperson said there is no Shark Control Program equipment at the location where Mr Walford was attacked, about 20km off the coastline.
Great Keppel Island businessman Shane Bonney, who owns the Tropical Vibes restaurant, said he was supportive of shark culling in the area.
“I’ve been on this island for over 12 years now and I’ve been noticing there’s more and more sharks every day,” he said.
“I’m a master 4 mariner, and we can’t even get our fish up because there’s so many sharks.
“We used to be able to catch them for food … we need to start culling them.”
While local fisherman Benny Christopher has also noticed an increase in the shark population during his five years living on the island, he does not share Mr Bonney’s view on culling.
“Around here, I’d only ever spear with a couple of other experienced fishermen,” Mr Christopher said.
“There’s more sharks around here than there is further out - the water is murkier and dirtier, and there’s more dangerous sharks, too.
“The way I’ve gotten to know sharks is that if you’re not a threat, you’re food.
“I’ve seen four or five tiger sharks around here this year, plenty of bull sharks, too.”
Mr Christopher also spoke about the restrictions around hunting sharks.
“I’ve been fishing my whole life,” he said.
“Twenty years ago, people used to catch a lot more sharks and kill them.
“And then all of a sudden the notion was that they’re endangered.
“Personally, I’d say the sharks are getting a lot thicker and more bold.”
However, he does not support a mass culling.
“Because obviously they’re a mass predator and we need them,” he said.
“I’m sure [the attack] will have some effect on tourism... but he locals all view it as a massive unfortunate accident, which it is.
“There’s not a lot that can be done to prevent these attacks - you can’t put a bulletin out to the sharks and tell them not to do that.
“With spearfishing, I’ve noticed that the sharks have gotten a lot more bold.”
Mr Walford joined the pastoral team at Cathedral of Praise in 2015, and became a youth pastor in 2022.
Cathedral of Praise paid tribute to their pastor saying he was a “truly beloved figure”.
“It’s with deep sorrow that we share the tragic news of Pastor Luke Walford’s passing,” the church said in a social media post on Sunday.
“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,” Pastor Claude Fingleton stated.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching Luke grow from a child to a remarkable young man. 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.”
LNP Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland posted a tribute to Mr Walford on Facebook.
“Yesterday our community lost a wonderful man in tragic circumstances.”
“A family friend, not only to my own family but countless others. He was an inspirational leader as a children’s and youth pastor.
“We are all very much still in shock.
“My prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his beautiful family and indeed the many who will be devastated, as I am, at this news.”
Mr Walford was remembered by friends as a “gentle soul” who would be “sorely missed”.
“Your love of children shone through. You were amazing with both of our sons during their school years, helping them through some tough times,” Melissa Kelly wrote.
“I will be forever grateful for everything you did for them.”
Deanna Mortensen said: “This is absolutely devastating news to wake up to”.
“He was the loveliest, kindest and most God-loving man,” she said.
“Such a sad loss to our beautiful community.”
Kaitlyn Sorensen wrote Mr Walford “was honestly one of the kindest, most passionate and inspiring people I have ever known”.
“His impact on so many will never be erased,” she said.
The Fisheries Queensland spokesperson also offered their condolences to those close to Mr Walford.
“Fisheries Queensland expresses its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of a 40-year-old man who died after being bitten by a shark near Humpy Island in the Keppel Bay Islands,” the spokesperson said.
“Thoughts are also with first responders and the community during this difficult time.
“The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is the lead agency and Fisheries Queensland will provide any assistance required for their investigation.”
Originally published as Luke Walford killed after shark attack while fishing with family on Humpy Island