Matty Nilsen killed in hit and run at Millbank

A bike rider, who was hit and killed during what police believe was a drag race between a stolen SUV and another car, has been identified as a beloved dad.

Bundaberg crash victim Matty Nilsen.

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

Matty Nilsen was hit when the bike he was riding was struck by a car outside a Bundaberg motel.

Police are still hunting the driver of a stolen SUV which they believe was in a drag race with another car when Mr Nilsen was hit.

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 Mr Nilsen 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 revealed the stolen black Hyundai IX35 was in a suspected drag race in the lead up.

The driver fled the scene.

Mr Nilsen, 34 from Bundaberg Central, was hit by the Hyundai at 7.51pm on Tuesday.

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

The stolen SUV was later found abandoned.

Police on scene where a man died following a 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 dragging.

The SUV involved had been reported stolen from a Norville address and was located around 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 struck in the left lane by the SUV.

The Forensic Crash Unit continues to investigate.

As of Wednesday evening, no charges had been laid, and no suspects had been identified.

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

Senior Sergeant Cameron Schneider

Senior Sergeant Schneider said he believed police had the resources necessary to locate the driver.

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 fled the scene.

Another nearby resident said Takalvan Street 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”.

A press conference was expected to be held later on Wednesday, with further details to follow.

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 hit and run at Millbank