Police have released the name of the man killed while said to be delivering Jehovah's Witnesses pamphlets in Pound Rd yesterday.

He was Grant Edward Cormack Smith, 43, of Yaldhurst.

Police have not yet determined the cause of the crash, in which a light truck appeared to have crossed the centre line and hit Smith and his car, which was parked on the opposite side of the road, facing north.

Smith, a farmer, had just stepped out of his car when he was struck about 12.10pm yesterday.

His wife, Melinda, was the passenger in the car. She escaped injury.

The Pound Rd couple have two teenage children.

Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said the 52-year-old truck driver was discharged from Christchurch Hospital this morning. Police have yet to formally interview him.

Until that happened there were a "multitude" of possible causes of the crash.

He said investigators were looking at road conditions, the vehicle and the state of the driver, including any possible medical conditions or whether he had fallen asleep.

"We're keeping an open mind," Woodbridge said.

A Pound Rd resident believed Smith was delivering Jehovah's Witnesses pamphlets at the time of the accident.

She heard a "loud, long noise" and went outside to find the pamphlets and his satchel strewn across the road.

She said Pound Rd had become busier in recent months with roadworks in Johns Rd.

Police said it appeared the truck had crossed the centre line and hit Smith and the car, which was parked at the start of a driveway.

The truck continued moving for about 10 metres before coming to a halt in a ditch. Two letterboxes were also hit.

Following motorists stopped and tried to resuscitate Smith but he was confirmed dead at the scene by ambulance staff.

A cordon set up from Ryans and Yaldhurst roads was lifted about 4.30pm yesterday.

Police said the Smith family wanted to thank the people who stopped to offer assistance.

Witnesses are asked to call Woodbridge on (03) 363 7400.

- © Fairfax NZ News