A Vancouver Island family is grieving the loss of a beloved husband and father after an evening bike ride turned deadly.

Popular middle school teacher and volunteer firefighter Paul Bally was riding near Fanny Bay when he was struck by a Ford pickup truck and left on the side of the road around 6 p.m. Monday.

The 48-year-old’s wife eventually found him in a ditch when he didn’t return home.

On Tuesday, Mounties urged the driver to do the right thing and come forward.

“The family is experiencing a tremendous loss,” Sgt. Mark Whitworth said. “It only makes it worse when the driver remains hidden.”

Bally was wearing proper reflective clothing and had bike lights, according to police.

The suspect vehicle is described as a 2002 to 2004 Ford F250, 350 or Excursion.

Anyone with information on the hit-and-run is asked to contact the RCMP.