A devastated father has issued a public appeal after his son was found dead on the side of a highway in a small rural town.

Mark Akers, 44, set off from Brisbane to Melbourne on June 15 and passed through Goondiwindi, Boggabilla and Forbes before he stopped in Jerilderie in southern New South Wales.

He was last seen at a service station on Southey Street in Jerilderie about 2.30am the following day.

Akers’ body was then found off Newell Highway, about 11km south of Jerilderie, about 12.35pm on June 17.

He had suffered critical injuries, which police believe were caused by being hit by a car.

Police are investigating and are treating his death as suspicious.

Today, police released his identity and an image of the car he was travelling in to appeal to anyone who may have seen it, especially on the Newell Highway between Jerilderie and Finley during the early hours of June 16.

His car is described as a 2021-model 200 series black Toyota Landcruiser with distinctive pink stickers on the windscreen.

His father, John Akers, urged the public to help find answers for his family.

”Mark was the kindest soul who would do anything for anyone and was sadly taken from us too soon,” he said.

“We are devastated by his passing and miss Mark terribly. We need a swift resolution and peace for Mark.

“I would like to ask the public, or anyone, who perhaps witnessed anything unusual no matter how big or small, please contact the police.”

Anyone with information can contact Finley Police or Crime Stoppers.