EXCLUSIVE
A tradesman who was allegedly killed in a road-rage attack was on the phone to his best mate just moments before his death – and told her he was being tailgated, Daily Mail can reveal.
Rhyce Harding, 27, died after he was struck by a white ute on Jersey Road, Blackett, in Sydney’s west, at about 8.45am on Thursday, police said.
Mr Harding is believed to have jumped out of his red ute and walked over to the male driver following an earlier incident.
Witnesses said Mr Harding appeared to cling to the side of the white ute as he was dragged about 100m down the road, before he was hit by the ute and fatally injured.
The white ute’s driver allegedly fled the scene. In a breakthrough on Friday, a 39-year-old man was arrested after handing himself in to Mount Druitt Police Station at about 6.30am. He is assisting police with inquiries.
Mr Harding’s shaken best friend, Stacey, said: ‘I was on the phone to him.
‘I’ve lost my best friend, I don’t think I’ll ever be OK.’
Witnesses said Mr Harding had got out of the Ford and tried to stop the other vehicle when the incident occurred.
The harrowing scene unfolded in front of dozens of shocked witnesses, including children walking to school.
CCTV from nearby homes appeared to show Mr Harding clinging to the driver side of the white ute.
Mr Harding was an avid kickboxer, with the World Gym Marsden Park sharing a post wishing him luck for an upcoming fight last June.
‘Rhyce has gone through hell and back during his fight camp along with his strength and conditioning coach.
‘We are all so proud of his achievement and wish him the best of luck at his fight!’
In response, his mother wrote: ‘So proud of you, Rhyce.
‘The tremendous support you have been given throughout this journey to date, is beyond anything l have witnessed.’
Tributes have begun to flow online for Mr Harding, who ran a landscaping business.
‘Heaven has gained another angel today, nothing will ever be the same without you here,’ one friend wrote.
‘You will forever be in my heart and mind. My heart dropped when I heard that you have left, but I know you will be watching over us.’
Another mate wrote: ‘Fly high, brother.’
Thursday
Police are called to Jersey Road, Blackett, at about 8.45am to reports a man has died after being struck by a car in an alleged road rage incident.
The alleged victim – Rhyce Harding – dies at the scene and a search is launched for the driver who allegedly drove away.
Friday
A 39-year-old man attends Mount Druitt Police station at about 6.30am and is arrested.