A motorcyclist who died after being struck by a van while riding to a wedding reception in the Bay of Plenty on Sunday has been identified as 38-year-old Don Henry Turei Junior.
The Tawera local was riding along State Highway 35 at about 2:40pm following the family wedding at Ruakokere Church in Te Kaha when he collided with the white Honda Odyssey-type van.
Mr Turei was travelling with his brother, who was on another bike, when he was hit.
The van left the scene immediately after the collision, and police said the crash was "suspicious".
On Sunday afternoon, Detective Inspector Lew Warner said an initial investigation had been carried out by the Serious Crash Unit and the crash is now being treated as suspicious.
Police are urging anyone who saw a vehicle similar to the description in the area between 2pm and 3pm to come forward.
They also want to hear from those who witnessed the crash, or those who have any information that may aid the investigation in some way.
Bay of Plenty Police are encouraging such people to contact them on (07) 349 9554 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Newshub.
