Beloved Youth Pastor Killed by Shark While Spearfishing
A beloved youth pastor was killed this past weekend after being fatally bitten on the neck by a shark.
Luke Walford, 40, was the pastor at the Cathedral of Praise church in Rockhampton, Queensland. He was spearfishing with family members when an unknown shark species attacked him. He sustained a “significant life-threatening wound to his neck,” according to a Queensland ambulance spokesperson, and died an hour later.
A message posted to the church’s Facebook page reads:
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. I’ve had the privilege of watching Luke grow from a child to a remarkable young man. I dedicated him as a baby, and over the last 10 to 13 years, I’ve witnessed his incredible contributions as part of our church staff. He was truly a beloved figure, especially among our young people, children, and the entire congregation.
Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in the promises of God. We know that Luke is now with the Lord, resting in His presence because of God’s exceedingly great and precious promises. Luke was a man who truly loved God and loved people. Today, we rejoice that he is in the arms of his Savior.
Our prayers are with Luke’s family, especially his wife, his mother, and all his relatives. We ask God to strengthen them, provide them with peace, and bring them through this unimaginable time. Please continue to lift them up in prayer as they navigate the days ahead.
According to the website TrackingSharks, which monitors and reports all attacks from sharks around the world, there were 15 reported shark attacks this past year in Australia, with one fatality.
h/t The Christian Post
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