An Australian male truck driver has been charged with manslaughter over the death of ultra cyclist Chris “Caveman” Barker who was taking part in the annual 5500km India Pacific Wheel Race (IPWR) on remote stretch of outback Western Australian highway.

Police allege the 36-year-old was driving a long haul semi-truck towing multiple trailers on Eyre Highway last Thursday when he hit and killed Barker, 62, before fleeing the scene about 190km west of the South Australian border. 

Aiden Barker, the son of Chris Barker, confirmed his father’s death on social media six days into the race. “I can’t express how sad today is, dad was doing something that he loved. I’ve never heard dad talk so much about this 1 event in my life, today my family lost a great person and so did his IPWR family. My heart is broken.”

It was Barker’s sixth time participating in IPWR, racing from the Indian Ocean in the west to the Opera House in Sydney on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. It is considered the most dangerous race in Australia due to the remoteness of the route. “The race route plots out a serious adventure through remote sections of regional Australia, one which is dangerous and has serious risks for those unprepared,” the race website states.

According to police, two hours after Barker was killed a second IPWR racer suffered serious injuries when he was hit by a vehicle, “possibly a truck”, while also traveling on Eyre Highway, the longest straight stretch of road in the world at 146km in length without a bend.

In 2017 legendary British ultra cyclist Mike Hall was hit by a car and lost his life while participating in the race.

Photo Credit: Facebook/Chris Barker

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