Police believe the young man was struck by a truck while squatting in an unlit area of the Brooker Hwy

A truck believed to have struck and killed a young man along the Brooker Highway has been seized by police as officers provide an update on the tragedy.

Suspicious death on Montrose Foreshore. Picture: Caroline Tan

A young man who was found dead on the side of the Brooker Highway at Montrose early Saturday morning may have been struck by a truck who may not have seen him, police said.

Inspector Jason Klug provided an update on Sunday afternoon, saying a truck driver was assisting police with their enquiries surrounding the 19-year-old’s death.

Suspicious death on Montrose Foreshore. Picture: Caroline Tan

“Following receipt of the autopsy report yesterday which suggested the man was likely struck by a vehicle, police put out a call for public information and have since spoken to a truck driver who is assisting with our enquiries,” Inspector Klugg said.

“While it remains early in our investigation, at this stage information suggests the young man was squatting on the roadside, wearing dark clothing in an unlit area of the highway when he was not seen by the driver and struck by the truck.

“We have seized the truck we believe was involved, and several pieces of CCTV, which will be forensically examined.”

He thanked the community who responded to calls for information and said anyone who hasn’t done so already was urged to contact Glenorchy Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania.

Suspicious death on Montrose Foreshore. Picture: Caroline Tan

Man discovered on Brooker Hwy likely struck by car, police say

EARLIER: A walk after a night out with friends ended in tragedy for a 19-year-old man who was found dead by police on the side of the Brooker Highway in “suspicious” circumstances.

Tasmania Police said the 19-year-old Montrose local was found lying in the southbound lanes off of the Brooker Highway near Montrose Bay High School by patrolling officers at around 4am on Saturday.

Glenorchy CIB Detective Inspector Mark Burke said an autopsy report released late on Saturday indicates that the man was likely struck by a vehicle.

He said officers performed CPR on the young man, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, with “significant injuries to his head”.

Suspicious death on Montrose Foreshore. Picture: Caroline Tan

“The young person’s been out pretty much most of the night with his friends,” he said.

“He’s then returned home and at about 3am this morning he’s left home to go for a walk and then he was found here.”

Police including CIB officers, forensics and uniforms remained at the scene for almost eight hours to conduct examinations of the surrounding area, including the Montrose foreshore and park.

Foreshore Road, the Brooker Highway from Strathaven Road and north of Montrose Bay High School were closed while this was performed.

Detective Inspector Burke said that following receipt of the autopsy report, evidence suggests the man was likely struck by a vehicle.

“We’re appealing for anyone who was driving along the Brooker Highway in the vicinity of Montrose Bay High School between 3am-4am this morning who may have witnessed a male pedestrian in the area or been involved in a crash to come forward,” he said.

“Police are doing everything we can to determine the circumstances of this young man’s death, and it’s vital that we investigate every possibility.”

Suspicious death on Montrose Foreshore. Picture: Caroline Tan

He also confirmed no suspects have been identified at this stage, but called upon anyone with information to come forward.

“We’re asking for members of the public with any information to come forward and contact police or Crime Stoppers and anyone with any dashcam footage as well,” he said.

“It is 4 o’clock in the morning, it’s remote and it’s a pretty quiet time of the morning and it is possible for anyone not to be there, but we really want to know if someone has been there – we really want to hear from them.”

Suspicious death on Montrose Foreshore. Picture: Caroline Tan

“It’s a tragic situation and our condolences certainly go out to the family and friends of the young man.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 131 444 or report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.

Originally published as Police believe the young man was struck by a truck while squatting in an unlit area of the Brooker Hwy