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'It's hurting us': Family appeal to WA hit-run driver after man found dead next to road

The devastated mother of a man found dead on the side of a highway has appealed for the alleged hit-run driver to turn themselves in.

Father-of-three Justin Kickett, 42, was found by a passing taxi driver shortly after midnight on Thursday on the Leach Highway at Bateman in Western Australia.

Police believe the man was struck by a semi-trailer truck.

"To think of my son that he's gone, he's dead, I can't believe it. Is it a dream?" his mother Dawn Kickett said.

Father-of-three Justin Kickett, 42, was found by a passing taxi driver shortly after midnight. Photo: 7 News
Father-of-three Justin Kickett, 42, was found by a passing taxi driver shortly after midnight. Photo: 7 News
His devastated mother Dawn has pleaded for the driver to turn themselves in. Photo: 7 News
His devastated mother Dawn has pleaded for the driver to turn themselves in. Photo: 7 News

“If (the driver) can come forward, ‘cos it’s hurting the family.

“It’s hurting us as parents.”

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Mr Kickett's shoes and wallet were found strewn across the highway after he was hit.

He had gotten off at the Bull Creek train at midnight and was hit by the passing vehicle 19 minutes later.

Mr Kickett's shoes and wallet were found strewn across the highway. Photo: 7 News
Mr Kickett's shoes and wallet were found strewn across the highway. Photo: 7 News
Police released grainy CCTV footage of the truck they believe struck Mr Kickett. Photo: 7 News
Police released grainy CCTV footage of the truck they believe struck Mr Kickett. Photo: 7 News

The taxi driver called emergency services three minutes after Mr Kickett was left lying on the highway.

Police have said the driver of the truck might not be aware they collided with the man.

"He's got twin boys who are in their 20s and a little girl. It will be really hard for them today," Mr Kickett's cousin Monique said.

The father-of-three was weeks away from becoming a grandfather. Photo: 7 News
The father-of-three was weeks away from becoming a grandfather. Photo: 7 News