Perth dad killed in ‘abhorrent’ hit and run

Perth father of two killed in hit-and-run incident

The full report

A cyclist killed in a hit-and-run incident in Bibra Lake on Tuesday morning has been identified as father of two Joseph Paratore. Mr Paratore has been described as an avid cyclist and a "larger-than-life character" who was adored by the cycling community.

WA Police said Mr Paratore was hit by a white Toyota Prado, which kept travelling north after hitting him, and they are still searching for the driver. A Perth father of two has been identified as the victim of a fatal hit-and-run in the city's south, as police confirm they are still looking for the driver more than 24 hours on.

Joseph Paratore, 40, was riding his bike on North Lake Road on Tuesday morning when police said he was hit by a white Toyota Prado four wheel drive about 5.20am and died at the scene. CCTV recorded at a nearby business and released by police today shows Mr Paratore cycling along the side of a road in the early morning light with his front light illuminated.

Moments later, after Mr Paratore exits the frame, a white four wheel drive comes into view and speeds quickly past. Mr Paratore was a husband and father to two young boys, with friends describing him as a "loving husband and a devoted father".

Flowers and a helmet with a message that says 'keep riding in the sky' have been left at the scene of the fatal hit-and-run. WestCycle Chief Executive Officer Wayne Bradshaw extended his heartfelt condolences to Mr Paratore's family, friends and loved ones following the tragic loss of his life.

Mr Bradshaw said every person deserved to return home safely. Joseph Paratore was a highly active and very popular member of the Perth cycling community, and his death is a devastating reminder of the vulnerability of people riding on our roads and the profound impact such incidents have on families, friends and the wider community.