Local father killed in hit-run thought he was hit by lightning

A much-loved local has fallen victim to a hit-run driver as he was walking home from the pub last night. 

Father-of-two Bryce Airs was struck from behind by a vehicle on Mansfield-Woods Point Road in Jamieson around 1.15am today.

The driver left the scene, before a passer-by found the injured man a short time later.

“He was conscious, he was breathing, he was talking - but he obviously had more injuries than he was aware of,” Detective Inspector Stuart McGregor told 9NEWS.

“He thought he had been stuck by lightning.”

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the 43-year-old died at the scene.

Friends and locals have paid tribute to the popular tradie, with his death rocking the tight-knit town.

“It’s a terribly hollow feeling," publican Geoff Mason said. 

"I mean, it's hard enough to lose a friend, but in a small knit community - it's ten times harder,” he said.

Police are appealing for anyone who was driving in the area between 11pm and 1.15am to contact them.

“We want to hear from you," Det. Insp. Stuart McGregor said. 

"We can discount you as being suspects, but we need to know who came along this road."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000