A 42-year-old man has tragically lost his life following a hit-and-run collision in the Lake Macquarie region over the weekend, with police now launching a public appeal for crucial dashcam footage.
Police appeal for witnesses after driver flees scene
Emergency services were called to the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Awabakal Drive at Nords Wharf at approximately 11am on Sunday, December 14. Upon arrival, officers from the Lake Macquarie Police District were informed that a cyclist and a sports utility vehicle had been involved in a serious crash.
The cyclist, a 42-year-old man, received urgent treatment at the scene from NSW Ambulance paramedics. He was subsequently transported to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. Tragically, police confirmed that the man succumbed to his injuries in hospital just before 10am on Monday, December 15.
Vehicle of interest identified in ongoing investigation
Authorities report that the driver of the vehicle involved failed to stop after the collision. The vehicle is believed to be a black Toyota FJ Cruiser. A crime scene was immediately established, and the specialist Crash Investigation Unit has taken charge of the inquiry, meticulously working to reconstruct the events leading to the fatal incident.
In their efforts to locate the driver and understand the full circumstances, police are urgently appealing to the public for assistance. They are particularly keen to obtain any dashcam footage from motorists who were travelling through the Nords Wharf area around the time of the crash on Sunday morning.
A deadly weekend on Hunter and Central Coast roads
This tragic incident contributes to a devastating spike in the regional road toll over the same weekend. The period saw multiple fatalities across the Hunter and Central Coast, prompting renewed safety warnings from police.
Key incidents from the deadly weekend include:
- Two women, aged 38 and 45, were killed in a head-on collision at Wadalba in the early hours of Sunday after returning from a concert in Sydney.
- A 45-year-old man died in a single-vehicle crash at Wyong Creek on the Central Coast later that morning.
- Another man lost his life following a multi-vehicle crash at Glennies Creek, near Singleton, on Friday.
With the busy Christmas holiday period now underway, police are urging all road users to exercise extreme caution, obey speed limits, and adhere to all road rules to prevent further tragedy.
Anyone with information regarding the Nords Wharf hit-and-run, or who may have relevant dashcam footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000. All information is treated confidentially.
