Rhyce Harding killed in alleged road rage hit-and-run at Blackett, driver arrested

A man has been charged after a tradie died during what police allege was a road rage fuelled hit-and-run.

A man has been charged this afternoon after an alleged road rage hit-and-run incident that left a landscaper dead.

Police allege Rhyce Harding, 27, was dragged about 100m down Jersey Rd in the western Sydney suburb of Blackett after he was struck by a white ute on Thursday morning.

Harding, who was wearing a high-vis vest, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Police will allege Harding — a boxer and landscaper — was initially in a vehicle being pursued by the white ute but got out and was on foot when he was fatally struck.

CCTV footage showed Harding clinging to the vehicle as it continued down Jersey Rd.

Rhyce Harding. Picture: Instagram

Mount Druitt duty officer Acting Inspector Shane Renee said on Thursday afternoon that police didn’t know if the driver and victim were known to each other.

He said it was believed Harding got out of his car and “words were said” before he was struck.

It is understood he was then dragged about 100m away from his vehicle.

Acting Insp Renee described the scene as “devastating” and said he felt for the victim’s family.

Rhyce Harding’s red ute being inspected by police. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Police at the scene of the incident on Thursday. Picture: NewsWire

Police launched a citywide search for the driver after the incident, with a 39-year-old man eventually handing himself in to officers at Mt Druitt Police Station just before 6.30am on Friday.

The man was charged with manslaughter, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, negligent driving (occasioning death), and dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous.

He was bail refused to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.

The victim’s car — a red ute — was inspected at the scene and then towed away just before 1pm on Thursday.

The driver of the other vehicle remains at Mt Druitt police station, and is yet to be charged.

In a statement, Mr Harding’s family said there were “no words” to describe how special their son was.

“There was nothing in life he loved more than his family and proudly helping his dad run the family business,” the statement read.

“He was always the first one to help another human being without wanting anything in return.

“He gave so much to his family, friends and the community and he will never be forgotten.”

Tributes for Mr Harding have been flowing online, with one friend writing: “You will forever be in my heart and mind. My heart dropped when I heard that you have left, but I know you will be watching over us.”

Another said: “I just can’t believe it, fly high bro.”

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