KEY POINTS:
Police are hunting a hit-and-run driver who killed a 48-year-old cyclist yesterday morning. Road safety campaigner Fred Ogle was cycling on State Highway 14 in Maungatapere, west of Whangarei, with a companion when he was struck at 9.20am.
He died at the scene.
Friends and family were last night gathering at Ogle's Whangarei home to mourn his death as his widow Jan spent time with her husband at the hospital.
A family friend said Ogle was an "enthusiast" for life.
The father-of-two played guitar and golf and was a dedicated runner, cyclist and triathlete, who was a repeat competitor of the gruelling Taupo Ironman.
The woman, who asked not to be named, said the tight-knit community was devastated at the fatal accident which happened only 3km from Ogle's home on Main Rd, Maunu.
Ogle, who owned the Leader Driveway construction company, went for training rides every Saturday morning.
"Everyone is shattered and shocked and so angry," the woman, who was speaking from Ogle's home last night.
"It's unbelievable that someone could hit Fred and not stop."
Members of the Northland cycling community were also mourning Ogle's death. Ruth Jarman said he was "passionate" about cycling.
Jarman said she and other cyclists used the road frequently but were aware of the risks.
"Every time you ride up a two-lane road like that you ride with your heart in your mouth when you hear a car coming up behind you."
Bike Northland chief executive Shaughan Anderson said the club was thinking of Ogle's family.
A woman living near the scene, who asked not to be named, said several drivers stopped after the crash and diverted traffic.
Northland road policing manager Inspector Clifford Paxton wants to hear from anyone who saw the incident or who knows the whereabouts of the silver car believed to have been involved.
The vehicle was probably damaged in the front and windscreen.
