‘Incredible impact’: Tributes flow for beloved pastor killed in Queensland shark attack

Tributes are flowing for a “selfless” pastor killed by a shark while holidaying with his family.

Tributes are flowing in for a beloved pastor who died after he was attacked by a shark while holidaying with his family in Queensland.

Rockhampton man Luke Walford was fishing off Humpy Island, just south of Great Keppel Island, when a shark bit his neck just after 4.30pm on Saturday.

Emergency services responded and treated the 40-year-old for life-threatening injuries.

Queensland man Luke Walford was fishing with his family in a tourist hotspot when a shark gnawed his neck. Picture: Facebook

Mr Walford died from his injuries a little over an hour later. Picture: Facebook

However, he succumbed to his injuries shortly before 6pm.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

In a statement to Facebook, the Cathedral of Praise church in Rockhampton said Mr Walford died while doing something he loved.

“I’ve had the privilege of watching Luke grow from a child to a remarkable young man,” a member of the church said.

“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.

Mr Walford was killed "doing something he loved — spearfishing, a passion that was passed down to him by his father". Picture: Supplied

“Our prayers are with Luke’s family, especially his wife, his mother, and all his relatives.”

In an outpouring of grief, others described Mr Walford on social media as “remarkable, selfless” and “the most generous person”.

“What an incredible man who left an incredible legacy,” one person said.

Another added: “What an incredible impact he had in his lifetime – an impact that is still unfolding”.

“This man was the most generous person I have ever met with his time to all those around him,” another person said.

“He went out of his way to give all he had to others, literally putting any of his agendas second to the young and old, men and women alike.”

Four others have been attacked by sharks in Queensland in 2024, according to an incident tracker.

Mr Walford was the only victim to die from their injuries in the Sunshine State.

Located near the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, the Keppel Islands are a tourist hotspot for outdoor adventurers.

Originally published as ‘Incredible impact’: Tributes flow for beloved pastor killed in Queensland shark attack