Shepherd dies in shark attack off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

A 40-year-old man died after being attacked by a shark off the edge of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, local police said.

Luke Walford, a youth pastor, was spearfishing with his family when he was bitten Saturday afternoon.

He suffered “life-threatening injuries” and, despite the efforts of paramedics, died at the scene about an hour later, authorities said.

He and his family were in the water on Humpy Island, in the Great Barrier Reef’s Keppel Bay Islands National Park, when the attack occurred. The area is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.

Walford had been a school chaplain and pastor of the Cathedral of Praise church in Rockhampton, Queensland.

Donna Kirkland, her local MP, said she was shocked and that Walford was a friend to her and “many others”.

“My prayers and deepest condolences go out to his beautiful family and indeed to all those who will be devastated, like me, by this news,” he added.

A family friend told ABC News he had seen the rescue helicopter fly over his house, not knowing it was for his friend.

“I always say a little tribute to whoever it is, but finding out it was Luke was a very sad day,” Doug Webber said.

Queensland Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner.

The last fatal shark attack in Australia occurred in December 2023, when A teenager was murdered in the south..

There have been four other shark incidents in Australia this year alone, according to a local database.

Overall, Australia suffers more shark attacks than any other country except the United States.