A pastor died in a shark attack on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

Walford was a school chaplain and pastor at the Cathedral Church of the Praises in Rockhampton, Queensland.

Local MP Donna Kirkland said she was shocked and that Walford was friends with her and “countless others”.

“My prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to his wonderful family and indeed to the many who will be saddened by this news as I am,” he said.

A family friend told ABC News that she saw the rescue helicopter fly over her house, not knowing it was for her friend.

“I always have a little bit of respect for whoever it is, but it was a very sad day to find out it was Luke,” 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 a teenage boy was killed in the south.

According to the local database, there have been four other shark incidents in Australia this year alone.

In general, Australia sees more shark attacks than any other country except the United States.