Police believe a 53-year-old Palmerston man killed when he was hit by a ute on State Highway 85 was walking home from a party.
They now want to speak to others who were at the party early on Saturday.
Acting Sergeant Jason Martin, of Oamaru police, said the man was walking on the side of the road between Palmerston and Dunback about 2.20am on Saturday morning when he was allegedly run over by a utility vehicle.
The driver stopped and called emergency services, but the man died at the scene soon after.
The driver was uninjured but shaken and upset.
He had been driving to work, and neither alcohol nor speed were factors in the accident, Sgt Martin said.
"The deceased was wearing dark coloured clothing, and it was an unlit rural road. These were contributing factors."
Sgt Martin said there was a party at a house near the incident, and it was believed the man may have been there before the accident.
Oamaru Police would like to hear from anyone who attended the party.
Sgt Martin said it was a tragic and unnecessary accident.
"At the end of the day, this guy has gone out for a few drinks at a mate's house and been struck by a vehicle on the way home.
"This sort of thing is happening a lot, and it affects a lot of people.
"People in this situation should phone a sober friend."
