Family shocked over sudden death of police shooting victim Luke Gilbert

The family of a 24-year-old shot and killed by police in an incident at a popular tourist beach have shared their grief online.

The family of the young West Australian man who was fatally shot by police in the Whitsundays have shared their grief online after the shocking incident.

Luke Gilbert was shot and killed after he allegedly approached police with a pen knife during a patrol of Airlie Beach in the early hours of Saturday.

Police were in Shute Harbour Rd at Airlie Beach about 12.20am on Saturday when they allege they were approached by the 24-year-old.

Mr Gilbert allegedly advanced at the officers with a knife and was shot.

His brother Zac shared a tribute on Facebook detailing his heartbreak.

Luke Gilbert was fatally shot by police in Airlie Beach after he allegedly approached them with a knife. Picture: Facebook

“I don’t know how to say this It’s not even sinking in yet and it doesn’t seem real,” he wrote.

“Life will never be the same, he deserved a lot better than this! I can’t believe this has happened.”

Zac Gilbert said his brother had been working in Townsville and was on a night out at Airlie Beach with his girlfriend when he walked up to the officers and began chatting to them.

“Then for reasons unknown right now … pulled out a pen knife,” Zac wrote.

Mr Gilbert’s brother shared his shock over the incident online. Picture: Facebook

Officers immediately rendered first aid to Mr Gilbert, who was transported to Proserpine Hospital but died a short time later.

The incident was captured on video by people who were in the area at the time.

In one video, shots can be heard in the background and a man saying, “They just f***ing shot him.

“I thought they were gonna get him with a taser.

“They just f***ing shot him c***s. He just kept walking to the cops.”

The police union claims officers had no choice but to shoot the 24-year-old, who allegedly “lunged” at them with a knife.

The taped-off scene where the 24-year-old was shot dead by police in Airlie Beach. Picture: Supplied

Despite police drawing their weapons and telling him to stop, Mr Gilbert allegedly continued towards them after which they fired four to five shots.

Queensland Police Union boss Ian Leavers said Mr Gilbert had “all of a sudden produced a knife from his hoodie and started threatening police”.

“The police have tried to further engage and they have retreated and moved from that location and tried and continue to communicate with that male person,” he told reporters.

“At a point, (he) has lunged at police and they’ve had no other alternative but to use their firearm.

“Police did all they could to try and resolve this matter peacefully.”

Mr Gilbert had been on a night out with his girlfriend. Picture: Facebook

The popular Airlie Beach tourist strip was full of investigators on Saturday trying to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Superintendent Graeme Paine said the incident was captured on CCTV and police were speaking to several witnesses.

He added that the officers involved were well trained to respond to different threats.

“The officers … go through a process, even when it’s a split-second thing,” Superintendent Paine said.

“The officers do make an assessment and act based on that assessment.

The incident is under investigation by the Ethical Standards Command. Picture: Supplied

“It’s a tragic circumstance for the family of the young man and also for the officers involved.”

Mr Leavers noted the officers would also be dealing with the tragic loss of life.

“This is quite traumatic and no police officer ever wants to use their firearm in any way shape or form,” he said.

The incident is under investigation by the Ethical Standards Command on behalf of the state coroner and is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.