Family of Cleon Retchford, Bulla boy killed in hit-and-run near Timber Creek, pleads for answers

Cleon Retchford was left for dead on the Victoria Highway near Timber Creek. (Supplied: Camilla Paddy)

The heartbroken parents of a teenager killed in a hit-and-run near the Western Australia-Northern Territory border have pleaded for the driver to come forward.

Family and friends in the Aboriginal community of Bulla are grieving over Cleon Retchford's death in April.

They said the 19-year-old had a reputation for generosity, often taking young boys fishing and hunting to keep them out of trouble.

The exact circumstances surrounding Mr Retchford's death are not clear and police have called for anyone with information to come forward.

Mr Retchford and a teenage boy became stranded on the Victoria Highway, near Timber Creek, after running out of fuel in the early hours of April 22.

Police say Mr Retchford was struck between 1am and 4am and left for dead next to his parked car while his companion was asleep.

Parents Camilla Paddy and Stan Retchford said the fact the driver did not come forward had amplified the trauma and despair they felt over their son's death.

"We don't even know what really happened. We just want the person to come forward."

Ms Paddy said it had been an extremely difficult time.

 "Now he's gone and we feel lonely without him. His only sister and brothers all miss him," she said.

Positive role model

Mr Retchford's death has rocked residents in Bulla and Gilwe, where he was known to be a role model for other boys.

Cleon Retchford's heartbroken family says he enjoyed taking other boys out fishing and hunting. (Supplied: Camilla Paddy)

"He was a fisherman and a hunter … to keep young people going, getting them out of trouble," his father said.

Mr Retchford had made plans to become a station worker.

"I wanted to take my son and teach him how to do cattle work," his father said.

Police release images of vehicles

A CCTV image of a vehicle of interest in the police investigation into Cleon Retchford's death. (Supplied: NT Police)

NT Police have released images of cars travelling in the area around the time of Mr Retchford's death.

A bus rear-camera image of a vehicle travelling west of Timber Creek that is of interest to police. (Supplied: NT Police )

CCTV shows a 4WD passing through Timber Creek, while a rear-facing camera on a bus has captured a video of a vehicle 40km west of the community.

Detective Sergeant Jeshua Kelly said the vehicles' drivers may have vital information.

"A family has been devastated by the loss of their son. It's not too late to do the right thing," he said.