Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man's body was found at his Sunshine Coast home on Saturday.
Detective Inspector Christopher Toohey said 69-year-old Christopher Gwin missed an appointment, which prompted neighbours to visit his Conondale home to check on him.
The neighbours found Mr Gwin's body and immediately called police.
Inspector Toohey said police believe the retired teacher's aide was "the victim of a violent offence", but did not provide further details.
"Christopher is a well-liked member of the Crystal Waters community, who are shocked and saddened over his death," Inspector Toohey said.
"Christopher's family has been notified and are distraught by the circumstances of his death."
Neighbour and friend Debra Fogarty said she'd known Mr Gwin for many years.
"He's just quite a gentle, harmless guy, and for something to be so big here, it's quite scary for our community," she said.
"Chris has dinner with friends once a week and he didn't arrive, which is unusual for Chris.
"He doesn't miss out on that, and that's when the alarm was set off."
Ms Fogarty said most of the residents around where Mr Gwin lived were very close, and many of them are elderly.
"It's a very tight cluster, they share birthdays and lots of things together," she said.
"It's quite a shock for all of us."
Inspector Toohey said a man who was known to Mr Gwin is assisting police with their inquiries. No charges have been laid at this stage.
He said investigators had been combing the scene for evidence and urged anyone with information to come forward.
