Melbourne mortician found dead in suspicious circumstances may be bikie-related, said neighbours

The death of a young mortician whose body was found metres from a rifle is being treated as suspicious.

Nathan Khoury, 20, was found laying in dirt next to a shed at his family’s property in Bulla, north-west of Melbourne, just before midday on Thursday. 

Shortly before his tragic death, it is believed Mr Khoury had bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend Mikayla, Seven News reported.

The death of young mortician Nathan Khoury (left, with girlfrend Mikayla) is being treated as suspicious, with neighbours suggesting it may have been bikie-related

The 20-year-old's body was found  next to a shed at his family's property in Bulla, north-west of Melbourne, just before midday on Thursday

The 20-year-old’s body was found next to a shed at his family’s property in Bulla, north-west of Melbourne, just before midday on Thursday

Shortly before his tragic death, it is believed Mr Khoury had bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend Mikayla (right)

Shortly before his tragic death, it is believed Mr Khoury had bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend Mikayla (right)

Family and friends have since taken to social media to pay tribute to Melbourne’s youngest mortician, who was one of five brothers.

‘Yesterday we lost a son, a brother and a cousin to many,’ the family’s funeral business said in a statement on Facebook.

‘Words cannot describe how much you meant to us, your smile lit up the room, you comforted so many families, you gave your all to everyone and did everything you could to make everyone happy.

‘We have lost one of our own and you can never be replaced. You broke our hearts to see you go … Spread your wings little brother, you were loved by all Nathan and you will always be missed.’    

And while authorities remain coy around the exact circumstances of his death, the homicide squad stayed at the farm more than 24 hours after the grisly scene was discovered.

While authorities remain coy around the exact circumstances of his death, the homicide squad stayed at the farm more than 24 hours after the grisly scene was discovered

While authorities remain coy around the exact circumstances of his death, the homicide squad stayed at the farm more than 24 hours after the grisly scene was discovered

As part of the extensive search of the family property, police were said to have combed its untamed grass before taking several items away in evidence bags

As part of the extensive search of the family property, police were said to have combed its untamed grass before taking several items away in evidence bags

As part of the extensive search of the family property, police were said to have combed its untamed grass before taking several items away in evidence bags.

Aerial footage also showed a rifle lying just metres from where the body was found. 

However, 9NEWS reported locals saw three men fighting near the crime scene and the home may have bikie links. 

‘There are possible rumours it’s linked to bikies and off-siders. The property was sold a couple of years ago,’ said neighbour Bill Yakan.

Our Lady of Lebanon Church also paid tribute to Mr Khoury, saying he was a dedicated parishioner who would be ‘dearly missed by all.’

A police investigation is ongoing but no one has been arrested or charged over Mr Khoury’s death.  

Our Lady of Lebanon Church also paid tribute to Mr Khoury, saying he was a dedicated parishioner who would be 'dearly missed by all.'

Our Lady of Lebanon Church also paid tribute to Mr Khoury, saying he was a dedicated parishioner who would be ‘dearly missed by all.’



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