POLICE are hunting the driver of a car that allegedly ran down and killed a popular farm worker on the Tableland.

Chris Ward, 40, was believed to have been hit by the car as he walked across Brickley Rd at Dimbulah on Saturday evening.

Paramedics from the nearby ambulance station and members of the public tried to revive him, but he was declared dead at the scene.

Grief-stricken mates yesterday told The Cairns Post Mr Ward, known as "Boydey", was a "really genuine bloke".

"He was an animal lover and had a heart of gold," Mr Ward's flatmate Tony Thomson said.

"He really loved his dog 'Chopper' and his cattle.

"I'm going to miss his lovely personality."

Mr Ward is believed to have left the Junction Hotel on his way to a mate's place when the tragedy happened between 7.45pm and 8.15pm.

Mr Ward moved to Dimbulah just 12 months ago and shared a farm house on Leadingham Creek Rd.

Although he had no immediate family in the area, it is understood he had a daughter in Darwin.

He had just started work as a tractor driver on a cashew farm and previously did some tiling work.

Junction Hotel publican Dan Mitchell said Chris Ward was a regular but never caused trouble.

"He never got out of hand but enjoyed a cider or a VB," he said.

His mates said Mr Ward loved playing tunes on the pub juke box, his favourite song being Man of Constant Sorrow from hit move O Brother, Where Art Thou?.

Friend David Morris said everyone was shocked.

"He was one of those people who was good with machinery and with their hands," he said.

"He loved feeding his cattle and he loved his (State of) Origin."

Police are still seeking information from the public about the incident.

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or Mareeba Police on 4030 3300.

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