War hero Lual Awan Lueth is identified as the innocent victim of tragic car crash after late-night police pursuit in St Marys, western Sydney

A man killed by an alleged disqualified driver while fleeing police has been remembered as a hero of Sudan’s civil war.

Lual Awan Lueth, 49, was on his way to work about 4am on Tuesday when his Toyota Corolla was hit by a Holden sedan on the Great Western Highway, in St Marys, in Sydney’s west.

He died at the scene while the 43-year-old driver of the sedan reportedly fled the crash site on foot.

The driver of the sedan was arrested a short time later in a nearby backyard, where he allegedly tried to steal clothes from a clothesline.

The 43-year-old, who police said was banned from driving and known to police, was taken to Nepean Hospital under police guard for treatment.

Nyarweng Community Australia president Gabriel Thon Deng said Mr Lueth’s death was a “painful blow” to the local Sudanese community.

Mr. Lueth was a member of the Nyarweng ethnic group in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, which was torn apart by the Sudanese civil war that started in 1983 and lasted 22 years.

The war left the majority of people in the area – which has a population of almost 1.2 million – starving to death, without access to clean water, health care or education.

“There are no words to adequately express the shock and sadness of all who knew him,” Mr Deng said.

Police have declared a critical incident in relation to the crash (pictured)

‘Lual was a real hero in defense Nyarweng country and transforms the lives of many, especially within his family.

‘He was a hard-working man with many skills, admired by those around him.

“As we mourn this tremendous loss, we extend our deepest condolences to the immediate family.”

Deng Majak Piok said Mr Luerth was the chairman of the Duk community in Sydney. Duk is a province in Jonglei, a state of South Sudan.

“His death saddens us to lose such a wonderful person at this earliest moment,” Piok said.

‘Late Lual was a good friend with whom we shared the history of our travels.

“On behalf of the Duk community in Sydney, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family and extended family.

The Holden then hit a silver Toyota Corolla hatchback (pictured)

Devastated loved ones rush to the crash site on Tuesday

‘May God rest his soul in peace.’

Police were patrolling Mamre Road in a fully marked car during the early hours of Tuesday when they spotted the sedan and believed the driver was behaving suspiciously.

The driver is then said to have sped away towards the Great Western Highway and police followed but lost sight of the car.

Officers arrived at the scene of the accident a short time later. They administered first aid to Mr. Lueth, but despite their efforts he could not be saved.

North West Metropolitan Region Commander Gavin Wood described Mr Lueth’s death as an ‘incredible tragedy’.

“You have an innocent 49-year-old man going to work, and he’s not going to work, and he’s not going home. His family doesn’t get to see him… For that poor man, and his family and friends, their lives have changed in this moment.”

The 43-year-old driver remains in hospital and charges are expected to be filed.

A crime scene has been established and a North Shore Police Area Command critical incident team has been investigating.

The research has also been subject to an independent review.

Anyone with dashcam footage, CCTV footage or information about the incident is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.