Tradie dead in ‘hit and run’ named

Rhyce Harding, 27, died after being struck by a white ute on Jersey Road, Blackett, around 8.45am on Thursday, police say.

Mr Harding had left his red ute and approached the male driver of the white ute following an altercation, it is claimed by police.

Witnesses recounted the scene, claiming Mr Harding appeared to cling to the side of a white ute as it dragged him about 100 meters down the road before he was fatally struck.

The driver of the white ute then allegedly fled the scene.

On Friday morning, a 39-year-old man was arrested at Mount Druitt Police Station. He was later charged with multiple offences, including manslaughter and death by dangerous driving.

He was bail refused to appear before Parramatta Local Court tomorrow

Mr Harding’s distraught best friend, Stacey said she has been traumatised by his death.

“I was on the phone to him. I’ve lost my best friend, I don’t think I’ll ever be OK,” she said via the Daily Mail.

Witnesses said that Mr Harding had exited his vehicle in an attempt to stop the white ute when the fatal incident occurred, unfolding in front of dozens of shocked onlookers, including schoolchildren.

CCTV footage from nearby homes captured the moment, showing Mr Harding holding on to the driver’s side of the white ute.

Mr Harding, an avid kickboxer, was well-known at the World Gym Marsden Park, which had posted a message of support for him ahead of an upcoming fight last June.

“Rhyce has gone through hell and back during his fight camp along with his strength and conditioning coach. We are all so proud of his achievement and wish him the best of luck at his fight!” the gym posted at the time.

“So proud of you, Rhyce. The tremendous support you have been given throughout this journey to date is beyond anything I have witnessed,” his mother wrote under the post.

Tributes have poured in online for Mr Harding, who ran a landscaping business.

“Heaven has gained another angel today, nothing will ever be the same without you here. You will forever be in my heart and mind,” one person wrote.

“My heart dropped when I heard that you have left, but I know you will be watching over us.”

“Fly high, brother,” another wrote.

Police are urging anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV vision of information about the crash to call into Mt Druitt Police or Crime Stoppers.

Resident Debbie Cremen told ABC the road was known for being “pretty notorious”.

“I worked on the crossing here and I’d nearly been hit numerous times,” she said.

“I was walking children across and a car slammed into the street sign, or else the car would of hit me, and another car just ran straight into the back of it.”