SUNRISE (CBSMiami) – Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a driver who hit a man on a bicycle in Sunrise and sped off.

Sunday night, just after 9 p.m., police received a call about a man lying in the swale in front of a residence in the 2100 block of Sunset Strip.

When Sunrise police and Fire-Rescue personnel arrived they found the body of 49-year old John Quintal. A bicycle that was next to him had damage to it.

Investigators surmise that Quintal was riding his bicycle on Sunset Strip and at some point was struck by a motor vehicle which took off.

“From the parts left there would be visible damage to the front right of the vehicle.  The silver paint chips indicate a silver vehicle,” said Cindi McCue of the Sunrise Police Department.

Quintal’s many friends are grieving their loss.

“It hurt me and shocked me when I came home last night when I saw the bike and the police,” said David Mack about his longtime friend.

Mack said Quintal would pedal his bike to and from the store nearly everyday.  He spoke to Quintal Sunday before that fateful trip.

“You’ve got to cherish life, because you only have one,” said Mack. “His soul is in heaven.”

Mack said Quintal would often take in people who were down on their luck and let them stay at his Sunrise home.

“How can you hit somebody and keep going.  I don’t understand it,” said neighbor Nelson Furman.

Silver paint chips were recovered at the scene along with parts to a headlight, indicating that the vehicle should have damage to the right, front headlight area. The make and model of the vehicle is unknown at this time.

Anyone with information is urged to call Sunrise Police at (954) 746-3342 or Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).