Youth pastor, 40, killed in shark attack remembered as ‘gentle soul’ [Video]

Youth pastor Luke Walford, 40, is being remembered as a “gentle soul” and “loyal friend”.

The tragic series of events unfolded in waters off Humpy Island, in The Keppels, 18km from Yeppoon, yesterday afternoon, leaving the Central Queensland community in mourning.

Walford, an experienced fisherman and school chaplain, was holidaying with friends and family when he was attacked by a shark while spearfishing, leaving him with deep wounds to his neck.

Paramedics travelled to the tropical island by rescue helicopter but he couldn’t be saved.

The death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the many who knew him.