Emergency services responded to Abell Road in Melonba, a suburb of Blacktown, after Damodor Shrestha was found lying on the roadside by passersby at 11.45pm.
Shrestha was out for a jog when he was reportedly struck by a purple coupe that fled the scene, leaving him fatally injured.
“The vehicle likely has damage to the front side, particularly to the headlight and windscreen,” Inspector Michael Walsh stated.
Authorities have shared images and video of the car, seeking the public’s assistance in identifying both the vehicle and its occupants.
Shrestha, from Nepal, was in Sydney visiting family and had just been celebrating his daughter’s 25th wedding anniversary.
His daughter, Sagun Shrestha, expressed deep sorrow, describing him as a loving father and source of inspiration to his grandchildren.
Residents expressed concerns about the lack of a proper footpath on Abell Road, making it dangerous for pedestrians.
“We people here already knew that something bad is going to happen,” a resident named Srikanth stated.
“They are building up homes left right and centre, they should be building up roads, proper infrastructure,” another neighbor named Karan remarked.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting offered condolences to the family and mentioned plans for constructing a footpath on Abell Road to enhance safety.