Beloved coach Ray Nicol farewelled after alleged Hervey Bay hit-and-run.

A popular swimming coach to generations of children has been remembered after his life was cut short “in the most appalling way” during a morning run in Hervey Bay.

Ray Nicol, who was allegedly hit and killed by a car in November, was a beloved and longtime swim coach on the Fraser Coast.

A heartbreaking service has been held for beloved Hervey Bay swimming coach Ray Nicol who was killed in an alleged hit-and-run in November.

Devastated family and friends attended the service on Friday for the 57-year-old who tragically died after being hit by a car while on a morning run in Point Vernon.

Mr Nicol was a longstanding community figure who for decades had been a coach and lifeguard at the aquatic centres in both Maryborough and Hervey Bay, and a member of various sporting clubs on the Fraser Coast.

A tribute left on the esplanade where Ray Nicol was killed on a morning run shortly after 4:30am on November 14, 2025.

“Such a sweet soul is taken from us in such a sudden and appalling way,” the packed service was told.

Mr Nicol was born in Victoria in 1968.

While travelling up north from Warrnambool for a holiday in 1992 he arrived in Hervey Bay and never left.

He moved in upstairs from Fiona who would become his partner of 32 years.

“I never imagined I would have to build a life without you,” Fiona said in a letter read out at the service.

Longtime friend Amanda Walker delivered the eulogy, telling the crowd of Mr Nicol’s passion for sports from a young age, competing in variety of sports throughout his life and how he loved “discovering something new to master”.

Ray Nicol, his longtime partner Fiona and their dog Bindi. The pair shared a love for dogs and travelled the country competing in flyball competitions.

He was a dedicated member of the Hervey Bay Triathlon Club and coached the triathlon swimming squad.

“You will always be our swim coach, you will always be our friend,” members of the club said on Friday.

Mr Nicol was also a dedicated coach to generations of children learning to swim on Fraser Coast through both his longtime career as a swim coach and volunteering at the Hervey Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

‘To Ray, you were very funny, kind and you helped me out a lot in swimming. Also, you taught me how to dive in the pool really well and help me not to be scared of the deep end,” a child who was swim coached by Mr Nicol, Ethan, said with the help of his mum.

The service ended with a photo montage of Mr Nicol’s life to the tune of “you’ve got a friend in me” by Randy Newman.

“He was always the first to offer help, the last to complain,” Amanda said.

Originally published as Beloved coach Ray Nicol farewelled after alleged Hervey Bay hit-and-run.