Tributes flow for Gympie businessman after his body found near Bauple

Former businessman Jason Reker was found dead in bushland near Maryborough last weekend, with his car and an emptied double barrel shotgun nearby. His brutal death has shocked the community.

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

Former Gympie businessman Jason George Reker was found dead last Sunday morning with fatal injuries to his lower body consistent with being hit by a car.

Not far from his body, which was stumbled upon by a member of the public at 5am at Talegalla Weir, was his car and a double barrel shotgun surrounded by empty casings.

What went down in the bushland near Bauple and Maryborough last Saturday night is anyone’s guess, but all signs point to a violent showdown.

Police arrested and later released four people they found with the ute they had been looking for in relation to the death.

Mr Reker is believed to have grown up in the Mary Valley and later in life started an earthmoving equipment business in Gympie in 2006, and was the owner operator for 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.

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

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