Luke Walford, a school chaplain and youth pastor, was killed by a shark while spearfishing with his family in a popular tourist spot in Australia on Saturday, according to local officials.
Newsweek has filled out an online contact form with Heights College where Walford was a school chaplain for comment on Sunday.
Why It Matters
While fatal shark attacks are rare, this is the second reported incident this weekend as the Egyptian Ministry of Environment confirmed a tourist's death by a shark in Marsa Alam, Egypt.
Newsweek has reached out to the ministry for comment via email on Sunday.
Walford was attacked in a popular tourist area known for its beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and water activities.
What To Know
Walford was a 40-year-old pastor at the Cathedral of Praise Church in Rockhampton, Queensland. He held deep ties to the church, having served for around a decade, according to the church's Facebook tribute.
Newsweek has also reached out to the church for comment via email on Sunday.
On Saturday, Walford was fishing with his family at Humpy Island, near Great Keppel Island which is located in the Great Barrier Reef's Keppel Bay Islands National Park.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. Approximately 2.24 million people visited the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in the 2023-24 financial year, according to the Australian government.
Walford was bitten by a shark around 4:30 p.m. local time, the Queensland Police Department said in a Saturday press release, adding that he "sustained life-threatening injuries" and despite paramedics' efforts, he died nearly an hour-and-a-half later.
He is survived by his wife, Kayelene Walford, who also works at Cathedral of Praise Church.
Other Shark Attacks
Saturday's incident comes a year after the last fatal shark attack in Australia when a teenage boy was killed by a shark in a popular surfing spot. A local database reports that four non-fatal shark attacks have occurred in Australia this year.
Last year, the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File reported that the United States had the most unprovoked shark bites, consistent with long-term trends. There were 36 confirmed cases in the U.S., followed by 15 in Australia, the second highest. The report found that most 2023 fatalities were from white shark bites.
What People Are Saying
Cathedral of Praise Church wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday: "It's with deep sorrow that we share the tragic news of Pastor Luke Walford's passing. 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...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."
Donna Kirkland, member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly, said in a social media post on Sunday: "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. My prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his beautiful family and indeed the many who will be devastated, as I am, at this news."
What Happens Next
The police will prepare a report for the coroner and a memorial service for Walford is to be announced soon.
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