09-05-2025
Coroner's Court of Queensland investigating disappearance of Jack McLennan
The Coroners Court of Queensland has confirmed it is investigating the disappearance of Goomeri resident Jack McLennan.
The 27-year-old was last seen between 8pm and 10pm on October 4 last year at Ficks Crossing, a popular fishing spot near Murgon, about 260 kilometres north-west of Brisbane.
"The deputy state coroner has carriage of the coronial investigation and, as this matter is currently open and ongoing, no further information can be provided at this time," a court spokesperson said.
The coroner will determine whether an inquest will be held after an assessment of the information, but no date has been set for that decision.
Mr McLennan's parents, Kellie Moody and Ross McLennan, said they had mixed feelings about the referral to the coroner.
"Earlier we were told it was positive if it reached that juncture because they'd more thoroughly investigate things like foul play, but … we're not overly confident," Ross McLennan said.
But the lawyer who successfully fought for an inquest into the disappearance of 13-year-old Sunshine Coast boy Daniel Morcombe has urged them to see the court's involvement as "as a good thing".
"Based on my experience with the coroner's office, they've certainly been prepared to be objective and actually get or request further evidence when required," Peter Boyce said.
"It's an independent body and an independent review."
Before he retired Mr Boyce also represented the family of Kirra-Lea McLoughlin, a Wolvi woman who was ruled by a coroner to have died at the hands of her partner.
"[The process] can take considerable time, so the parents might have that feeling not much is being done," Mr Boyce said.
Jack McLennan was living at Goomeri and working as a builder's labourer before he went missing eight months ago.
Police have previously said that in the hours before his last confirmed sighting on the October long weekend Mr McLennan attended Murgon police station on a domestic matter, went to a bottle shop in the town and then visited Ficks Crossing, 7km south-west.
His car, which was full of personal belongings, was left at Murgon.
Some of Mr McLennan's belongings, including a hat and shoes, were found during a search involving police and State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers.
Ms Moody and Ross McLennan have carried out their own searches and made enquiries throughout the region.
They told the ABC they believe their son attended at least one house in Wondai, about 8km south of Ficks Crossing.
The family has contacted Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington and Police Minister Dan Purdie to increase the reward for information about Mr McLennan's case.
Ross McLennan said the family's efforts would continue.
"We're not going to leave any stone unturned — we're just going to keep going," he said.
"It's a rude awakening, this whole world that we've been immersed into now."
Anyone with information about Jack McLennan's disappearance has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Police Link on 131 444.
