The family of an Auckland father killed in an alleged hit-and-run say there's an "unfillable void" in their hearts as a North Shore woman now faces charges over the incident.
The 22-year-old accused is due in the North Shore District Court on April 18.
Police provided an update on the December incident while the family of the man who died released a statement this afternoon.
In the early hours of December 7, a member of the public alerted authorities after finding a dead man's body on O'Brien Road in Lucas Heights — a rural part of Auckland.
The man was named today as Jason Collins, 65. His family mourned his loss.
"The tragic loss of Jason has left an unfillable void in our hearts," they wrote.
"As a devoted father, husband, and trusted friend to many in our community, his absence is a constant ache, a relentless reminder of what we've lost.
"Taken from us too soon, his departure is a profound and senseless blow that we struggle to comprehend. Each day is a battle against the overwhelming emptiness left in his wake.
"We ask for privacy at this time as we continue to grieve."
At the same time, police announced charges against a driver allegedly involved in the death.
Detective Sergeant Ben Bergin said: “Police have charged the driver with careless driving causing death and failing to stop or ascertain injury or death after a crash.
“The vehicle and driver allegedly involved was identified in the days following Jason’s death.
“A thorough investigation has been underway into the tragic circumstances by the Waitematā criminal investigation branch and we have reached a point where charges have been filed."
In December, police appealed to the public for help in identifying sightings of a Mazda car, which was allegedly involved in the incident.
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