Jackson was found dead in a mushroom field with a hunting knife sticking out of his chest. His death was considered non-suspicious, but now there is a terrifying theory behind his demise

The death of a young Melbourne man found in a mushroom field with an 18cm hunting knife lodged in his chest was initially treated as non-suspicious.

But now there's a terrifying theory behind how 26-year-old Jackson Stacker – whose severely decomposed body was found under a tree on August 25, 2021, with his scalp and dreadlocks found separately – died.

When Mr Stacker's body was found in Pottsville in the NSW Tweed Shire, police believed it was a suicide, but at an inquest in Lismore on Monday a police officer was asked if there was a more sinister explanation.

Byron Bay Detective Donna Tutt was questioned about whether she was aware of human sacrifices or cults in the northern NSW region, but she said she knew nothing about them.

Mr Stacker's mother, Sandey MacFarlane, insists her son did not commit suicide and says there was no history of suicide or poor mental health in their family.

Mr Stacker's mother, Sandey MacFarlane, insists her son did not commit suicide and says there was no history of suicide or poor mental health in their family

Ms MacFarlane said Mr Stacker never told her he was depressed and there was no note or evidence to suggest it was suicide.

“I don't believe my son would have taken his own life, there was so much going on with him,” she told the inquest into his death. Byron News reported.

The last time she spoke to him was July 22, 2021, and he sounded worried and said he had lost his job.

A few days later, she deposited $300 into his bank account and wrote “call me” in the payment description.

When she didn't hear from him, she became concerned but didn't tell anyone else about her fears because she didn't want to cause panic.

Mrs MacFarlane couldn't get through once when she tried to call her son, saying it sounded like his phone was switched off.

Mr Stacker, who had been traveling in his Toyota Hiace van since 2020, was reported missing by his family on August 23, 2021, after they were contacted by a person wanting to buy his abandoned vehicle.

The inquest heard that when his skeletal remains were found two days later, he was lying face down, covered by his fur coat and with an 18cm knife protruding from his chest.

His scalp and dreadlocks were found separately, some of his teeth were missing and his boots were found meters away from his body.

But a fox or wild dog could be responsible for the condition of the body, which may have been in the field 25 miles north of Byron Bay for as long as a month, the inquest heard.

Detective Tutt said the type of knife found in the deceased's chest was a common type used by someone camping or living in a van.

State Coroner Magistrate Teresa O'Sullivan heard that valuables, including a phone, laptop and Nikon camera, were missing from Mr Stacker's van.

His friend John Winegarden said Mr Stacker visited his home in Nimbin in early August 2021 to collect tools.

“He was angry about the whole Covid lockdown, he wasn't happy that he couldn't do what he wanted to do,” he said. Byron News reported.

Mr Winegarden told his friend he could stay with him but he said no, he was going to Byron Bay beach.

He said he found Mr Stacker's behavior “strange”. “He seemed upset… he wasn't the happy Jackson… he was definitely quite depressed.”

Jackson Stacker had been traveling in his Toyota Hiace van since 2020 (pictured).

The last time his mother spoke to Mr Stacker (pictured) was on July 22, 2021, and he sounded concerned and said he had lost his job

He said he later saw the Hiace van on a Facebook page but couldn't remember when because he “brought too much weed, mate.”

Mia Kieis, 25, another friend of Mr Stacker, told the inquest about an incident where he appeared to be in a manic state and had worrying thoughts.

She also said her friend felt down at times and was deeply affected by a murder-suicide involving a person they both knew.

The investigation continues.

Tragic deaths and disappearances in and around Byron Bay

Theo Hayez

Theo, an 18-year-old Belgian backpacker, disappeared in May 2019 after a night out at the Cheeky Monkeys nightclub.

He was not reported missing for five days.

In June 2020, Hayez's cousin Lisa revealed that Google data had tracked him walking through dense bushland on the night of his disappearance, suggesting he could not have done this alone.

The strongest theory for Mr Hayez's disappearance remains that the backpacker fell off cliffs and was washed into the sea.

Théo Hayez went missing in Byron Bay on May 31, 2019 and has not been seen since

Thea Lidl

Ms Liddle, 42, was last seen in the Mooball area, between Byron Bay and Tweed Heads, in October 2019.

The former microbiologist had become homeless in Byron Bay and led a transient lifestyle before her death.

Police came across her remains in July 2020 during a search for Mr Hayez.

Ms Liddle, 42, was last seen in the Mooball area, between Byron Bay and Tweed Heads, in October 2019

Erwan Ferrieux and Hugo Palmer

Erwan Ferrieux and his British boyfriend Hugo Palmer, both 20, were reported missing during their holiday of a lifetime in 2019.

Police feared they had drowned in Port Macquarie after their belongings were found in the sand at Shelly Beach.

In June 2019, two human bones washed ashore – and forensic examination showed they most likely belong to Mr Ferrieux.

Palmer's femur was discovered in the sea by spear fishermen. DNA tests showed it was his.

Hugo Palmer (left) and Erwan Ferrieux (right) went missing during a gap year in Australia