PRESENTS — What Became of JackPRESENTS — What Became of Jack
Days Like These — True Stories
The brand new season of hit true crime podcast, Unravel, is available now. 'What Became of Jack' investigates how a fit young man disappeared from a picnic spot, leaving a trail of strange clues behind him. The belongings he left behind are discarded in a way that seems nonsensical, and to some, even sinister. Is he missing, has he left town or has there been a crime? Concern turns to suspicion and online speculation as weeks turn into months, with no sign of Jack. Now, ABC journalist Rob Burgin investigates what became of Jack, tracing the fragments of that night through a web of small Queensland towns, where everyone knows everyone, everyone knows something, but no one can agree on what became of Jack. What Became of Jack is the latest season of the ABC's award-winning true crime podcast, Unravel. Follow Unravel to be the first to get new episodes.
2:17•25 May 2026
What Became of Jack: A Vanishing in the Queensland Night
Episode Overview
- Jack Mclennan, a fit 27-year-old, disappears suddenly from a bush picnic spot after sharing beers with a workmate.
- His recent breakup is mentioned but presented as something he was ready to move on from, not a clear motive.
- Jack’s belongings are found scattered in ways described as “nonsensical,” raising concerns about foul play.
- Family and community suspicion intensifies, leading to direct accusations and heightened fear around the case.
- ABC journalist Rob Burgin/Rob Bergen has investigated the disappearance for nearly two years, highlighting how many unanswered questions remain.
“You could nearly say an alien took him away because he's just vanished.”
Experience the emotional and inspiring tales of recovery? This episode from Days Like These shifts gears into true crime, sharing a gripping preview of Unravel’s new season, What Became of Jack. It’s aimed at anyone who loves real-life mysteries, slow-burn investigations, and stories that raise more questions than answers. The story centres on 27-year-old Jack Mclennan, a fit young man who vanishes from a Queensland picnic spot on a moonless night.
Moments earlier, he’d been chatting with a workmate, “hanging out, drinking some beers, unwinding ahead of the long weekend.” His mate turns away to the car, looks back, and “this bloke’s just been swallowed up by the night.” From there, the episode traces how a simple missing persons case spirals into something far more tangled. Jack’s breakup with his first serious partner doesn’t seem to explain anything: “He was not sad about it.
You put him there.” Rumours, fear and mistrust spread, with one line summing up the danger around the case: “If we go there, we’ll definitely get bashed, probably get killed.” ABC journalist Rob Burgin/Rob Bergen explains he’s been on this case for nearly two years, and “the deeper I dig, the more questions I have.” This short feature gives a taste of his methodical, patient style and sets up a season aimed at people who like following a mystery step by step.
He was just ready to move on.” Then his belongings start turning up in odd places – “It’s just nonsensical where the stuff is. It’s been scattered” – fuelling suspicions that something sinister has happened. You’ll hear escalating tension as family and community frustration boils over: “You need to cough up and you need to confess. You know where my son is.
If you’re drawn to real stories where ordinary lives collide with unexplained events, this case might leave you wondering: what do you think became of Jack?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.