JAKE Lasker's family thought the worst was behind them when he was cleared of cancer only several months ago.
Now they're grappling to understand why someone would want to hurt him.
The 19-year-old was found dead at his family home in the Toowoomba suburb of Rockville about 3pm (AEST) on Wednesday.
Police said he had cuts to the neck and torso.
Max Peter Smith, 19, was remanded in custody when he appeared in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with murdering Mr Lasker.
The case was adjourned until February 21 for a committal mention, to give police time to gather and test forensic evidence.
Jake's father John Lasker told AAP the family was in shock.
Mr Lasker said only four months ago they received the good news that his son's year-long battle with eye cancer was over.
He said Jake was a pillar of strength when the rest of the family were stricken with fear during his cancer battle.
"He was so strong. I was the weak one," Mr Lasker told AAP.
"One of his last words to me before he went into surgery was 'if there's any form of problems with the right eye I want it removed'.
"He was able to make the tough decisions."
He said in the end Jake's eye did not have to be removed and doctors cleared him of the disease in August.
"It was a relief," Mr Lasker said.
"This is a tragedy. I don't understand. He was a brilliant son. The whole family is really going to miss him."
He said his son, who had Asperger's syndrome, found it difficult to associate with people but had plenty of friends through Facebook and his hobby of playing live Xbox games.
Jake's friends have posted tributes to him on his Facebook page.
"My dear good friend Jake, you were a top fella, a kind hearted man, would do anything for anyone," one friend wrote.
"Jake thank you for everything you have done for me I saw u as a brother, u helped me with so much!" another friend wrote."
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