A youth pastor has died following a shark assault close to the Nice Barrier Reef in Australia.
Luke Walford, 40, from Rockhampton in Queensland, had been spearfishing together with his household at Humpy Island, within the Keppel Bay Islands Nationwide Park, when a shark attacked him at round 4:30 p.m. native time on Saturday, Dec. 28, in accordance with the BBC.
A police report acknowledged that he suffered “life-threatening accidents and succumbed to these accidents” on the standard location for diving and snorkeling simply earlier than 6 p.m. native time.
His dying was the primary deadly shark assault in Queensland in over 4 years, The Guardian reported.
Auscape/Common Photos Group by way of Getty
A frontrunner on the Cathedral of Reward Church in Rockhampton — round 400 miles north of Brisbane — shared two pictures of Walford alongside touching phrases in a Facebook post.
“It’s with deep sorrow that we share the tragic information of Pastor Luke Walford’s passing,” they wrote. “Final evening, we discovered that he was attacked by a shark whereas doing one thing he beloved — spearfishing, a ardour that was handed right down to him by his father.”
“I’ve had the privilege of watching Luke develop from a toddler to a exceptional younger man,” they continued. “I devoted him as a child, and over the past 10 to 13 years, I’ve witnessed his unbelievable contributions as a part of our church workers. He was really a beloved determine, particularly amongst our younger folks, youngsters, and your complete congregation,” they added.
One {photograph} confirmed Walford in a brightly coloured shirt singing and enjoying the guitar, whereas within the different he was holding a microphone in entrance of a crowd.
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Luke Walford Fb
The Fb put up inspired members of the church to “take consolation within the guarantees of God” following his dying.
“Our prayers are with Luke’s household, particularly his spouse, his mom, and all his family. We ask God to strengthen them, present them with peace, and produce them by way of this unimaginable time. Please proceed to carry them up in prayer as they navigate the times forward,” the put up added.
Commenters described Walford as “probably the most beneficiant individual” as they mentioned the legacy he left behind.
In line with the BBC, there have been 4 shark assaults recorded in Australia throughout 2024. General, solely the U.S. data extra shark assaults every year.
Native lawmaker Donna Kirkland instructed the outlet that Walford had been a buddy to her and “numerous others.”
“My prayers and heartfelt condolences are together with his stunning household and certainly the numerous who will probably be devastated, as I’m, at this information”, she added.
