Tuggerah: Nathan Scott Parker, 43, farewelled in moving funeral after tragic cycling crash

He didn’t need a cape or spandex, but popular mechanic, cyclist and family man Nathan Parker was a “hero” to those who knew him. It comes after he was “unfairly taken” way too soon.

Nathan Scott Parker, 43, died after he was struck by a utility on the Pacific Highway near the intersection of Anzac Rd, Tuggerah, on March 18, 2025. The driver, 68, has since been charged. Picture: Facebook

Hundreds of family and friends have gathered to farewell a popular mechanic, cycling enthusiast, husband and father who was tragically killed after a ute collided with his bike on a routine training ride.

Nathan Scott Parker, 43, was remembered at a moving funeral service at Hillside Chapel, Palmdale, on Friday where mourners gathered to pay their respects to his quick humour, quirky dress sense and love of family, cars, country music and popular culture.

Born and raised in Armidale, Mr Parker followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a mechanic before meeting his future wife Sarah.

After she graduated her teaching degree he followed her to the Central Coast where the couple married at Terrigal in 2004 and had two sons, Christian and Logan.

“Put simply Nathan is a hero. He didn’t need a cape or spandex, though he did have some Lycra,” his younger brother Brett Parker said in his eulogy.

Nathan Parker and his wife Sarah. Picture: Facebook

Mr Parker’s wife Sarah told the service her husband’s passing left them with “unimaginable heartbreak”.

“His loss is so deeply unjust and unfair. Nathan didn’t pass doing what he loved. He loved his family so much more,” Mrs Parker said.

Mrs Parker said her husband was a family man first and foremost. Picture: supplied

“He was a family man. He would have much preferred being safe at home getting ready for work at Central Coast Motor Group, giving his cheeky tongue-in-hand comments instead.”

Mrs Parker described the moment she had to make the devastating call to his parents and their children to let them know “he wasn’t coming home”.

“Nathan we had plans, so many plans that should be underway right now instead of saying goodbye,” she said.

“Nathan you were more than a husband and father, you were the glue that held us together, the reason for so many smiles, the embodiment of love, loyalty and humour. You’ve left a void in our family that cannot be filled.

“You were unfairly taken at the hands of someone else and way too soon.”

Mr Parker got into mountain biking around 2020 and then road cycling, which saw him join Central Coast Cruisers and take part in the Tour de Rocks charity ride in 2022, 2023, and 2024 to raise money for cancer.

Mr Parker was involved in a collision with a ute on the Pacific Highway at the intersection of Anzac Rd, Tuggerah. Picture: Google

Central Coast Cruisers spokesman Darren Cook said the group would honour his memory during this year’s ride.

“Nathan was not just a rider. He was a training partner, BBQ chef, fundraiser and very special person to all of us,” Mr Cook said in a tribute on Facebook.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has also been established to help his wife and boys.

Mr Parker was on an early morning ride on Tuesday, March 18, when a ute collided with his bike on the Pacific Highway at the intersection of Anzac Rd, Tuggerah.

Emergency services were called and Mr Parker was flown to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition but succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The 68-year-old driver of the utility was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory testing and was later charged with negligent driving occasioning death.

He will appear before Wyong Local Court on Monday, July 7.