- Rhyce Harding, 27, died on Thursday in Blackett, western Sydney
- A 39-year-old man was arrested on Friday
EXCLUSIVE
The trader who allegedly died in a fatal road rage incident called his best friend shortly before his death and told her he was being chased, Daily Mail Australia can reveal.
Rhyce Harding, 27, died after being struck by a white ute on Jersey Road, Blackett, in Sydney’s west, about 8.45am on Thursday, police said.
Mr Harding is said to have jumped out of his red car and walked towards the male driver after an earlier incident.
Witnesses said Mr Harding appeared to cling to the side of the white ute as he was dragged for about 100 meters along the road before he was struck by the ute and fatally injured.
The male driver of the white ute is said to have fled the scene. In a breakthrough on Friday, a 39-year-old man was arrested after turning himself in at Mount Druitt police station about 6.30am. He assists the police with investigations.
Rhyce Harding, 27, was tragically killed in an alleged hit and run incident on Thursday
Mr Harding’s shocked best friend Stacey said: ‘I was on the phone to him.
“I lost my best friend, I don’t think I’ll ever be okay.”
Witnesses said Mr Harding had gotten out of the Ford and tried to stop the other vehicle when the incident occurred.
The harrowing incident took place in front of dozens of shocked witnesses, including children walking to school.
CCTV footage from nearby houses appeared to show Mr Harding clinging to the driver’s side of the white ute.
Mr Harding was a keen kickboxer – with World Gym Marsden Park sharing a gushing post wishing him the best of luck for an upcoming fight last June.
“Rhyce went through hell during his fight camp with his strength and conditioning coach.
“We are all so proud of his achievement and wish him the best of luck in his fight!”
In response, his mother wrote: “So proud of you Rhyce.
“The outpouring of support you have received so far on this journey is beyond anything I have ever seen.”
More to follow
His best friend said she was on the phone with him at the time. He had reportedly complained about being chased
Witnesses told police they saw the alleged victim involved in a road rage incident with a driver in a white ute (pictured) with a metal tray, a black hood and a black toolbox with metal racks on it
The alleged victim’s red Ford Ranger is pictured being towed away on Thursday