Community left shattered after tragic death of motorcyclist, 22, killed in crash with 4WD on Stuart Hwy near Noonamah Tavern

A Darwin community has been left shattered by the tragic death of a young man, after a 22-year-old man died at the scene of a crash between a motorcycle and a 4WD on the Stuart Highway in the rural area.

UPDATED: The Nepalese community has been left shattered after the tragic death of a young man in a rural area crash.

The 22-year-old man died on Tuesday night at the scene of a horrific crash in which the motorcycle he was riding collided with a Ford Ranger that was attempting to enter the Stuart Highway.

Orange spray markings dotted the Stuart Hwy, painting a devastating picture of what had occurred outside the Noonamah Tavern on Tuesday night.

Even moving at 100km/h, a passing vehicle can still spot the small and neat pile of ­motorcycle parts that lies on the edge of the road – it serves as a sombre reminder of road safety.

A 22-year-old male motorcyclist died at the scene of a crash with a car on the Stuart Highway. Picture: Floss Adams

Those left grieving for the man took to social media to share their tributes.

“I am lost for words at this sad time, I pray for peace and comfort for you and your loved ones at this difficult time brother.

“We all miss you,” wrote Neeraj Lamichhane.

Mates of the man wrote: “Rest in peace bro.”

St John NT operations manager Craig Garraway said the ute and the motorbike collided on the Stuart Highway near the Noonamah Tavern about 7.15pm.

“Unfortunately on the ­arrival of emergency services, there was a male rider who had sadly passed away at the scene,” he said.

“It really is a sad story.”

NT Police Senior Sergeant Josh Cunningham said a man, 74, who was behind the wheel of the Ford Ranger undertook both alcohol and drug tests and both returned negative results.

He was uninjured in the crash.

A 22-year-old male motorcyclist died at the scene of a crash with a car on the Stuart Highway. Picture: Floss Adams

EARLIER: A 22-YEAR-OLD man has died at the scene of a crash between a motorcycle and a 4WD on the Stuart Highway in Noonamah overnight.

NT Police said they received a report of a road crash in Noonamah shortly before 7:15pm last night.

A motorist driving a Ford Ranger entered the Stuart Highway and collided with the motorcyclist travelling outbound, NT Police said in a statement.

Emergency service crews attended the crash scene however, the 22-year-old man was pronounced deceased shortly after.

The Ford Ranger driver, a 74-year-old man, tested negative for drugs and alcohol and was uninjured.

St John NT operations manager Craig Garraway said the 4WD and motorbike collided near the Noonamah Tavern.

“Unfortunately on the arrival of emergency services there was a male rider who had sadly passed away at the scene,” Mr Garraway told ABC Darwin.

A 22-year-old male motorcyclist died at the scene of a crash with a car on the Stuart Highway. Picture: Floss Adams

“It really is a sad story.”

“Major Crash investigators attended the scene and worked throughout the night in an attempt to establish the cause of the accident,” NT Police Senior Sergeant Josh Cunningham said.

“It doesn’t appear alcohol, drugs or speed were a contributing factor but as the investigation is still underway I am unable to speculate on the cause.

Traffic diversions were in place until mid-morning.

The road has since been reopened.

Major Crash detectives worked through the night to gather evidence at the scene and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Originally published as Community left shattered after tragic death of motorcyclist, 22, killed in crash with 4WD on Stuart Hwy near Noonamah Tavern