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Police identify cyclist who died in SLC hit-and-run

Posted at 7:20 PM, Dec 06, 2012
and last updated 2012-12-07 18:35:20-05

SALT LAKE CITY - A 25-year-old bicyclist died after a suspected hit-and-run in west Salt Lake City on Thursday evening.

Salt Lake City Police identified the man as Mark Neiafu.

The incident happened near the intersection of California Avenue (1330 South) and Fortune Road (1800 West) in Salt Lake City at around 6:30 p.m.

"Basically they were driving westbound and they noticed a person laying in the middle of the road, they parked their vehicle in order to protect him and block him, and once the officers arrived they were able to summon some medical attention to help him," said Salt Lake City Police Lt. Josh Scharman.

Neiafu was found in critical condition and transported to Intermountain Medical Center where he died.

Police are now looking for a white newer model minivan; the driver may have seen or been involved in the incident.

Friends said Neiafu was a resident at nearby Bonneville Halfway House and he was likely on his way home when he was hit.

Gregory Ward, a resident at the halfway house said the road has no sidewalks or bike lanes and it has been an issue before.

"I've been there since May and to now, it's about ten people have been hit," Ward said.

The incident is under investigation and police still have a lot of questions. Anyone with information is asked to contact Salt Lake City Police at (801) 799-3000.