The family of an “amazing” man “left alone to die” in a hit and run in Sydney’s north-west have made a plea for the driver responsible to come forward.

Dean Lovell, 51, was found dead on Springwood Road at Yarramundi, outside of Richmond, late last night.

Emergency services were called to the scene but said the local man had died before they arrived. 

Lovell’s family tonight told 9News he was “a wonderful man who loved his life and his animals”.

“We just hope that whoever did this knows they left an amazing person alone to die,” they said, in a text message. 

Posting on social media, sister Tammy Hulak said her brother’s “nine lives ran out” and he would be missed.

Initial investigations from police found the man was struck by a vehicle that failed to stop.

They said a dark-coloured vehicle was seen travelling along Springwood Road towards Richmond driving in an erratic manner around the time of the incident.

Police said the body was found about 11.30pm but didn’t say whether the crash was believed to have happened at that time or earlier. 

Further investigations are ongoing, and police are urging anyone who may have information about the crash or were in the area at the time with footage of the incident to contact Windsor police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.