A SCHOOL chaplain and keen fisherman has been killed in a horror shark attack on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Luke Walford, a youth pastor, had been spearfishing with his family when he was mauled at 4.30pm local time on Saturday afternoon.
Paramedics were able to give the 40-year-old medical attention, but he died about an hour later, the BBC reported.
He and his family had been in the water near Humpy Island in he Great Barrier Reef’s Keppel Bay Islands National Park when the attack happened.
Walford was a school chaplain and pastor at the Cathedral of Praise church in Rockhampton, Queensland.
Family friend Doug Webber told ABC News he had watched the rescue helicopter fly over his house, aware it was for his pal Walford.
Webber said: “I always say a little tribute for whoever it may be, but to find out it was Luke was a very sad day.
“Luke always had a heart for God, and you could always see that he would be in ministry somewhere.
“We know because of our faith he’s in a better place but it doesn’t help for those who are left here and mourning a great person.”
His church paid tribute to him in a Facebook post, mentioning that he was attacked by a shark while engaging in spearfishing, a passion he inherited from his father.
“He was truly a beloved figure, especially among our young people, children, and the entire congregation.
“Our prayers are with Luke’s family, especially his wife, his mother, and all his relatives.”
Walford’s friends and fellow congregants shared touching memories of him on the church’s Facebook page.
A person described him as incredibly generous, always willing to give his time and resources to help those around him.
Another posted: “Truly a remarkable, selfless, caring man of God, always with a quock smile and an encouraging word.
“He was so humble and totally poured his life into others.”
Another individual expressed shock at the news but highlighted the profound impact he had during his lifetime and how his legacy continues to influence generations through his testimony.
