Australian tech and media whiz Leslie Nassar killed in US hit-run

Australian tech and media "genius" Leslie Nassar has died after an alleged hit-and-run in the United States.

Mr Nassar, 43, died on Saturday morning around 7.30am local time when he was allegedly struck down in Nampa, Idaho, an official statement from Andrea Horton, co-director of his technology company Wrangling Cats, confirmed.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm that the co-founder of Wrangling Cats, Leslie Nassar, has passed away under tragic circumstances," Ms Horton wrote.

"Our thoughts are with Leslie’s wife, three beautiful daughters and his loved ones."

Mr Nassar helped forge the link between broadcast television and social media, allowing producers of ABC panel discussion program Q&A to display and moderate a livestream of relevant tweets.

"His work for the ABC with Q&A established him as a world leader, changing the way broadcast TV connected with viewers in a way that is now emulated around the world," Ms Horton wrote.

He was also known for his regular satirical column, "Department of Australia", on online news site Crikey.

His friends and former colleagues have taken to social media to express their grief.

"So sad. The engineering genius behind #QandA @leslienassar is gone. My thoughts are with his wife & daughters who he loved so much," tweeted Peter McEvoy, the executive producer of Q&A.

An online fundraising campaign for an Australian memorial to commemorate Mr Nassar has raised more than AU$18,000 in just 16 hours.