Black Dog Rider dies in Western Australia road accident

A motorcycle rider participating in The Black Dog Ride around Australia has died after being struck by a truck east of Geraldton.

Les James was about to join the Western Australian leg of the charity event when the incident occurred on the Geraldton Mullewa Highway yesterday morning.

“The Black Dog Ride community are a close-knit bunch and we are devastated by this terrible accident,” ride founder Steve Andrews said. 

“Our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of our fellow rider.”

9NEWS reporter Simon Bouda, who is on the ride, said Mr James was a devoted family man who had a passion for motorcycling that led him to become involved with the Black Dog Ride.

"This accident has shattered everyone on the ride, there's no doubt about that," Mr Bouda said.

"It changes, in a lot of ways, how we feel in this ride. We've now got a cloud over us and it's something that we'll have to get through.

"But we will be riding today, the ride will continue because we feel it should continue as a mark of respect for him and what he believed in, which is starting the conversation about depression.

"Unfortunately this is just a tragic accident that could have happened to any rider. As motorcycle riders we know the risks."

Mr James was the state coordinator for the Western Australian leg of the ride and a father of two.

Family, fellow participants and supporters paid tribute to Mr James on the event’s Facebook page. 

“I'm so very sorry for your heart breaking loss, what an amazing man to have embarked on this journey, he will be remembered,” Donyelle Turner wrote.

“Seek comfort knowing he rode with passion about a cause that meant so much and around those whom shared in his love of riding,” another comment read.

The event began in 2009 to raise awareness for depression and has since raised over $1.5 million for mental health services with riders travelling 14,500kms over 32 days.