Tributes flow for Jason George Reker after his body found near Bauple

Popular Gympie man Jason Reker bought a large cattle property at Talegalla Weir in 2024, about nine months before his body was discovered beside his car and not far from a double barrel shotgun surrounded with empty casings.

Jason George Reker has been identified as the man found dead at Talegalla Weir on Sunday.

Five days after machinery operator Jason George Reker was found dead of fatal injuries to his lower body consistent with being hit by a car, police have not laid any charges.

Not far from his body, which was stumbled upon by a member of the public at Talegalla Weir, near Bauple on Sunday March 16, was his car and a double barrel shotgun surrounded by empty casings.

What went down the night before is anyone’s guess, but all signs point to a violent showdown.

Mr Reker’s death shocked and devastated the Gympie community, as he was unanimously remembered as a “really nice bloke”.

Jason George Reker has been identified as the man found dead at Talegalla Weir on Sunday.

Businesswoman and property consultant Janelle Walker said she had known Jason since he was 17 years old, when he and his brother Norman picked pineapples on her Amamoor property.

He had come from a local family and was the eldest of three siblings.

“Jason just did so much for his brother - he kept him out of mischief and made sure he got to work on time,” Mrs Walker said.

Tragically, Norman was killed in a motorbike accident near Bli Bli some years ago.

Mrs Walker said she had had a great deal to do with Jason over the years, as he bought property, improved it over time then sold it on.

She said he had recently bought a property at Talegalla Weir.

RP Data reveals Mr Reker bought a 410ha cattle property located between Talegalla Weir and the Tiaro State Forest in May 2024.

He had been about to put his Sexton property on the market.

“I just can’t believe it,” Mrs Walker said.

“Jason would never have hurt a fly. I just can’t understand it. When I found out, I nearly died.”

After Mr Reker’s body was discovered, police arrested and later released four people they found with the ute they had been looking for in relation to the death. A Police Media spokesman said on Friday afternoon detectives on the case had stated as of Friday 2.30pm there was no update in their investigation.

Mr Reker grew up in the Mary Valley and later in life started an earthmoving business in Gympie in 2006, Gympie Grader Hire.

Old photos show him doing work for the Gympie Show Society, and standing on the roof of a Gympie home before the Pineapple service station was dismantled.

On social media there was a reaction of shock and sadness.

Jason George Reker has been identified as the man found dead from a hit and run at Talegalla Weir, near Bauple and Maryborough, on Sunday, March 16.

Gympie Turf Club stalwart and teacher Merv Welch said he was “shocked and saddened by this terrible happening”.

“Jason was a kind, empathetic and generous friend to me and, I’m sure, to all who knew him,” he said.

“A beautiful man. This is just an unbelievable tragedy.

“Rest in peace Jason. I was so lucky to know you.”

Susan Nicholls said “So sad , such a nice, kind man”.

Jason Dickfos attended One Mile State School with Jason.

“I went to One Mile State School with this man and his brother when we were kids and us three would hang out after school and on the weekends. We got upto some mischief and had a blast together. Rest in peace mate and I wish we could have known each other later in life.”

Jason Reker with members of the Gympie Show Society when he was the owner operator of Gympie Grader Hire.

Jason Whittingham said “It’s been a long time but we still have our memories on all we did as kids mate; you are going to be sadly missed by all friends and family. Love you brother. I hope you you have loads of fun up there R.i.p jase”.

Michelle Barry said on finding out the news,“I am shocked and sad at this awful news”.

“Jason was an acquaintance for well over 10 years and during that time he was just such a lovely fellow.

“Always smiling and so positive. What a terrible ending. RIP Jason I am so sorry this has happened to you - you will always be remembered xo”

Rach Flower said “Jason, I’m sorry this happened to you. Absolutely horrific, condolences to his friends and family.”

A file photo of Gympie Show Society volunteer John Buckley with show secretary Deb Rowlands and Gympie Grader Hire operator Jason Reker on the trotting track which hasn't been used for trotting for over 15 years. Photo Greg Miller / Gympie Times

Originally published as Tributes flow for Jason George Reker after his body found near Bauple