Matty Nilsen killed in alleged hit and run at Millbank

A 21-year-old has been charged with hitting a cyclist, causing the beloved dad’s death, with police starting a manhunt when the driver allegedly fled.

Bundaberg crash victim Matty Nilsen.

Police have charged a man with the death of beloved father who was cycling on a busy Bundaberg street when he was killed in a crash when two cars were allegedly dragging before the tragedy.

The identity of a dad who was tragically killed in an alleged hit and run on Tuesday night can be revealed.

Police allege Matty Nilsen was hit when the bike he was riding was allegedly struck by a black Hyundai IX35 about 7.50pm on Takalvan St in Millbank, outside a Bundaberg motel.

Police claim the Hyundai allegedly fled the scene and was found a short time later.

Mr Nilsen, 34, died at the crash.

Following an investigation, police arrested a 21-year-old man in Bundaberg West.

The 21-year-old Norville man has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death.

His police bail was refused, and he is due before Bundaberg Magistrates Court on May 1.

On Wednesday, Bonnie Bailey posted a heartbreaking tribute on social media for Mr Nilsen.

“It breaks my heart to be posts this,” she wrote.

“The news will spread fast so I want him to be remembered for the good person he is.”

Ms Bailey said the Bundaberg Central man had been a great father to his children and “had a really good heart”.

Bundaberg crash victim Matty Nilsen.

“His kids love him so much and are so heartbroken,” she said.

“My heart hurts beyond words.”

It comes after police allege the black Hyundai IX35 was in a suspected drag race in the lead up.

Emergency services performed CPR out the front of the Bundaberg International Motor Inn but he could not be saved.

Police on scene where a man died following an alleged hit and run Tuesday night. PHOTO: Lexa Smith

Senior Sergeant Cameron Schneider said on Wednesday two vehicles were seen driving in line with each other shortly before the crash, and there was evidence to suggest they may have been allegedly dragging.

The SUV involved had been reported stolen from a Norville address and was found about 9.55pm at the intersection of Walker and Takalvan streets — not far from the crash site.

It’s believed the cars were travelling inbound from South Bundaberg towards the CBD when the cyclist attempted to cross Takalvan Street from the west side, near a hotel. He was allegedly struck in the left lane by the SUV.

The Forensic Crash Unit continues to investigate.

Police have also not confirmed how fast the vehicles were travelling or provided details about the second car.

Senior Sergeant Cameron Schneider

Witnesses had also started sharing what they experienced as the emergency unfolded.

One family, who had moved into their home that same day, said they heard a car braking abruptly followed by the sound of sirens.

“I did hear some commotion,” one woman said.

A man has died while riding his bike along Takalvan St on Tuesday night after a car hit him and allegedly fled the scene.

Another nearby resident said Takalvan St was often used by hoons.
While he didn’t recall hearing anything at the time, he said he had grown used to noise.

“You hear it so much that you just block it out,” he said.

In Facebook comments, Kerrie Wegert said the manager of the hotel covered the man with one of their sheets.
She also said that someone she knew had gone to check what had happened and was “confronted with it all”.

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation, including CCTV or dashcam vision, is urged to contact police and quote this reference number: QP2500738370

Originally published as Matty Nilsen killed in alleged hit and run at Millbank