Police are still trying to confirm whether a man was "in or on" a vehicle moments before he was flung to his death.
Waikino man Kelly Graeme Poulter was killed early on Saturday evening when he was struck by a vehicle.
Police are still investigating exactly how the 51-year-old wasflung into the path of the oncoming Toyota Hilux but confirmed two vehicles - both carrying passengers - were involved in the crash in the Karangahake Gorge, near Waihi.
The two vehicles did not collide.
Senior Sergeant Rex Knight told Waihi radio station Gold FM the accident involved a couple in the Hilux and a Ford Falcon.
"Two vehicles involved - a Hilux with a couple in it and then a Falcon vehicle which comes from that area. And we are investigating how the man was flung from that vehicle, either from the inside or the outside onto the road, where the other vehicle couldn't avoid him and he was hit and he died instantly."
He said police were also investigating to see if there was any culpability.
Police spokeswoman Natalie Swark said police were not able to divulge any more details at this stage because they were still unclear and an investigation had been launched.
"Whether he was travelling in or on [the vehicle] we can't confirm."
The crash occurred at the Waikino end of Pukekauri Rd, near Mr Poulter's home.
Waikato District road policing manager Freda Grace said there was still considerable work to do to establish what had led to Mr Poulter's death.
"We haven't been able to establish exactly what happened yet."
In his death notice, Mr Poulter was described as a much-loved husband and father who "died tragically as a result of an accident". A person at the family home declined to comment when contacted by the Herald.
