Friends of Ra-Che Williams, who lost his life on Friday in a hit-and-run crash, have thanked the community for an outpouring of help to his loved ones after an online appeal surpassed its target last night.

It came after police confirmed over the weekend that the suspected driver of the other vehicle involved in the fatal crash had been arrested.

Mr Williams, 23, died on Friday morning after his motorcycle was in a collision with a car on Knapton Hill, Smith’s.

A $10,000 goal was set on a fundraising site to help the victim’s devastated family to cover funeral expenses.

Just shy of $14,000 had been raised by 7pm, according to the GoFundMe page in his name.

Organisers online called Mr Williams “a light to those around him” and said his death was “beyond understanding or sense”.

The post said his mother, Rachel Bailey, was left having to bury her only child.

“The love between the two of them was seen and felt by everyone that knew them.”

Ms Bailey was described as someone who was “for ever helping others”.

The online post added: “It is our turn to help and support her during this time.”

Yesterday the organisers of the fundraiser acknowledged the “amazing community of family and friends that surrounds Rachel during this time”.

The post added: “Your generosity and kindness is very much appreciated. The support you all have so unselfishly offered is heartfelt.”

Renée Ming, the Minister of National Security, gave her condolences to Mr Williams’ family as well as that of Quan-Marley Lowe, 33, who died over the weekend after an attack at the West End that police are now investigating as a murder.

Ms Ming said both deaths happened in “the worst possible circumstances, in such brutal and callous ways”.

She added: “My heart breaks for these young men’s families, and they are foremost on our minds today as we continue to process these tragic deaths.”

She commended the police for apprehending a suspect in the death of Mr Williams.

Ms Ming urged anyone with knowledge of either incident to “please help these two families find justice by coming forward and sharing what they know”.