Will Thomas, 30, died after being struck by a car while cycling just 30 seconds from his home in Birkenhead. He was on his way to pick up an iPad belonging to his six-year-old son when the crash happened on Hoylake Road shortly before 8pm on Sunday.
Police said the vehicle involved was a BMW. Two people travelling in the car fled the scene but were later arrested, while a third person remained at the scene with the vehicle.
Arrests following the collision
A 20-year-old man, a 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old child were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit. The 19-year-old and the 15-year-old were also arrested on suspicion of failing to stop and report a collision.
Despite efforts by medics to save him, Thomas died from his injuries in the early hours of Monday surrounded by his family.
Family tribute to a devoted father
His mother, Mandy Smith, 54, described him as "the light of everyone's life", saying he had a gift for making people smile.
"No matter who he met, he'd put a smile on their face. He was a joker, always up for a laugh. He was such a bright light and he was my best friend," she told the Liverpool Echo.
Smith said Thomas would "do anything for anyone" and "absolutely doted" on his son. "He truly had a heart of gold. He didn't want to upset his son by not getting his iPad for him. He would have gone and got it - it wasn't even a question. He just wanted to make his son happy," she said.
Fundraiser launched by the family
His aunt, Sharon Williams, 56, said the family were struggling to come to terms with their loss. "We're numb. It feels like a really bad dream; it doesn't feel real. He was a ray of sunshine. No matter what he was going through, he'd always be there for you," she said.
A fundraiser has been set up by the family to help give Thomas the "send-off he deserves" and has so far raised nearly £3,000. The GoFundMe page states that he suffered "immediate and severe internal bleeding along with multiple broken bones" and, despite fighting, lost his life the same night at the hospital.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via social media at @MerPolCC, call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0151 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, quoting reference 26000896899. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
