Cyclist killed in early morning Bowen hit and run

Police are appealing for the driver responsible for an alleged hit and run to come forward as well as any witnesses after a cyclist was left to die on the side of the road. LATEST.

Police are on scene in Bowen following an alleged hit and run on Thursday, July 25 that has killed a male cyclist in his 60s. Picture: Contributed

A motorist has left a cyclist on the side of the road to die after an alleged hit and run in the Whitsundays on Thursday morning.
Mackay District Acting Inspector Jeremy Novosel said police were called to the scene of a “hit and run traffic incident” in Bowen at 4.40am.

“A motorist travelling along Bootooloo Rd located the body of a male person on the side of the road who had suffered fatal injuries,” Inspector Novosel said.

“Early investigations indicated that the man had been struck by a vehicle while he was riding his bicycle … the deceased is a 69 year old local to the Bowen area.”

Mackay District Acting Inspector Jeremy Novosel said they were waiting for a driver to come forward after a cyclist died in an alleged hit and run in Bowen on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Picture: Fergus Gregg

Inspector Novosel said Forensic Crash Unit officers were investigating the incident and were appealing for anyone who was in or travelling through the area from 4.15am to 5am to contact police.

“Police are also appealing for the driver involved in this incident or anyone with further information to contact police,” he said.

He said officers were working to identify what type of vehicle was involved in the incident, and whether speed, inattention or other factors played a role, with items found by the roadside, including by the public, able to help in this matter.

Inspector Novosel said the victim was known to go on daily rides with Bootooloo Rd a known cyclist route.

He said the motorist who phoned police had stopped to help the cyclist but after realising the “gravity of the situation” called for help.

“It’s a tragic incident and we certainly expect that people involved in these sorts of accidents remain at the scene but again that forms part of our investigation,” he said.

Paramedics had also been called to the scene.