A youth pastor and school chaplain described as an inspirational leader has been identified as the man killed by a shark while on holiday with his family.

Luke Walford, 40, was reportedly bitten on the neck by a shark while spearfishing at the weekend in central Queensland.

Emergency services were called to Humpy Island, in the Keppel Bay Islands National Park, about 18km off the central Queensland coast, on Saturday following reports a man had been attacked.

Despite efforts by paramedics, Walford succumbed to his injuries just before 6pm.

Walford was a youth pastor for the Cathedral of Praise and school chaplain at Heights College in Rockhampton.

The college said the school chaplain had impacted so many lives over more than a decade.

“This loss leaves a profound void in the heart of our Heights College community and beyond.

“Chappy Luke, as he was known as, was not just a spiritual leader but also a role model for our young people. He was a living example of humility, kindness, and unwavering faith.

“Whether it was on the handball court, at the chess table, or simply chatting with students during lunch sharing his wealth of wisdom, he always made time for them.

“His ability to connect with every individual, regardless of age or background, was truly remarkable.

“As we grieve this heartbreaking loss, we hold onto the legacy he leaves behind — a legacy of love, faith, and selfless service.

Luke Walford died doing what he loved. Photo: Supplied 

Queensland Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said Walford was a “wonderful man” lost in tragic circumstances.

“A family friend, not only to my own family but countless others. He was an inspirational leader as a children’s and youth pastor,” she said in a statement.

“My prayers and heartfelt condolences are with his beautiful family and indeed the many who will be devastated, as I am, at this news.”

Local member Nigel Hutton also sent his well wishes to the family.

“The thoughts and prayers of our community go out to the Walford family,” he said.

There have been at least four other shark attacks in Australian waters in 2024, according to the Australian Shark Incident Database.

They include a woman who suffered significant injuries to her leg from a shark bite while snorkelling in the ocean off Mackay in October, and a woman who was badly wounded after being bitten on the leg while swimming in Elizabeth Bay in Sydney Harbour in January.

-with AAP