A young tradie who was killed in violent road rage incident in Sydney’s west was on the phone to his best friend moments before he died, it can be revealed.
Rhyce Harding, 27, died on Thursday after he was hit by a white ute on Jersey Road in the suburb of Blackett, 48 kilometres west of the Sydney’s CBD, about 8:45am.
It’s understood Mr Harding jumped out of his red ute and approached the male driver following an earlier altercation.
Witnesses recounted how Mr Harding clung to the ute and the man dragged him about 100m along the road before fatally hitting him.
Police on Friday arrested a 39-year-old man over the incident after he handed himself into Mount Druitt Police Station about 6.30am.
Now, Mr Harding’s best friend Stacey told the Daily Mail she was on the phone to Mr Harding moments before he was stuck, and tradesman told her he was being tailgated.
“I was on the phone to him,” she said.
“I’ve lost my best friend, I don’t think I’ll ever be OK.”
It is understood the 27-year-old had been in a collision with the 39-year-old man before he was fatally struck.
Mr Harding was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics who were called to the scene, but he could not be saved.
Earlier, a local tradie recalled the moment he saw the victim being treated by emergency services.
“I was just going to grab some drinks and I heard this guy laying on the ground,” he told the ABC.
“A couple of cops were around this area trying to do CPR for him.”
Mr Harding was an avid kickboxer and frequented the World Gym Marsden Park located in Sydney’s northwest.
The gym on Instagram has edited a caption under a photo of Mr Harding ahead of his fight last June, to instead mourn his loss.
“Staff and members here at World Gym Marsden Park are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of our beloved members, Rhyce Harding,” he gym’s updated caption read.
“Rhyce was a much loved member of our club, who will always be remembered for his kindness, humbleness and dedication to his training.
“A little story about Rhyce… When Rhyce fought at a recent kickboxing event representing our club, we had a team of staff members and trainers attend to watch him on the night. The next day, Rhyce visited our club presenting gifts to each individual staff member who helped him prepare for his fight and came to support him on the night. That’s the type of guy Rhyce was.”
Previously the original caption read: “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!
“So proud of you, Rhyce. The tremendous support you have been given throughout this journey to date is beyond anything I have witnessed,” his mother commented.
Tributes have started 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. You will forever be in my heart and mind,” one person wrote.
“My heart dropped when I heard that you have left, but I know you will be watching over us.”
“Fly high, brother,” another wrote.
Inquiries into the road rage incident continue.
Police are urging anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV vision or information about the crash to call Mt Druitt Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.