Pictured: Cyclist, 47, who was taken off life support and died of horrific injuries suffered when he was hit by a car while riding his bike
- Philip Almond has died after being hit by a ute while cycling in Coffs Harbour
- Mr Almond and his friend Duncan Elliott were hit on Wednesday morning
- Both were taken to hospital where Mr Elliot remains in a serious condition
- Mr Almond’s family shut off his life support on Friday with many paying tribute
A cyclist has tragically died after being hit by a ute while out for a bike ride with friends.
Philip Almond, 47, was struck by the car on Central Bucca Rd, in Coffs Harbour in northern New South Wales on Wednesday morning.
On Friday, Mr Almond’s family turned off his life support and he died shortly after.
Duncan Elliott, 47, a friend of Mr Almond who was riding with him at the time of the accident was also injured and remains in John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition.
Duncan Elliott (left) and Philip Almond (right) were cycling in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday when they were struck by a ute. Mr Almond died on Friday after his life support was turned off
It’s understood the cyclists were hit when the 63-year-old ute driver was turning into a driveway. The driver returned a negative blood alcohol test.
Tributes have poured in for Mr Almond from the Coffs Harbour Cycle Club where he was an active member.
‘Phil meant so much to so many people. He was a ‘tough as nails’ rider with amazing bike handling skills and an uncanny ability to read a race,’ the club said.
‘He was also humble, kind, gentle and encouraging to everyone lucky enough to cross paths with him.
‘The passing of Phil will leaving an unimaginable gap in the close knit Coffs Harbour cycling community. He was loved by many and respected by all. The world will shine less brightly.’
Mr Almond has been remembered by loved ones as ‘humble, kind and gentle’ after passing away on Friday
Mr Almond leaves behind his wife Vanessa, his parents and a brother.
On the day of the crash, police urged people to take care while driving despite the roads being quieter amid coronavirus.
‘We just ask anyone using the roads, on any vehicle whether it be a car or pushbike, to take care,’ Coffs-Clarence Acting Inspector Nick Wiles told reporters on Wednesday.
Mr Elliott (left with Mr Almond) remains in hospital in a serious condition