Gatton woman Joanne Marie McCauley has been named as the prime suspect in a hit-and-run that claimed the life of Hong Kong national Shui Ki Chan.

Gatton woman Joanne Marie McCauley has been named as the prime suspect in a hit-and-run that claimed the life of Hong Kong national Shui Ki Chan. Supplied

A HELIDON woman has been named as a suspect in a hit-and-run that claimed the life of a Hong Kong national after she allegedly boasted about it to family and friends.

Shui Ki Chan, 25, was riding his pushbike home from work along the Warrego Highway near UQ Gatton on August 22, 2012, when he was struck and left for dead in a ditch near the road.

A coronial inquest into his death began on Tuesday in the Brisbane Magistrates Court where shocking details surrounding Mr Chan's death were revealed for the first time.

Counsel assisting the coroner Peter De Waard said the suspected driver Joanne Marie McCauley, who is originally from Rockhampton, had allegedly boasted to family and friends about killing the cyclist.

Mr De Waard said Ms McCauley had not yet been charged with any offence.

"Police have been investigating allegations that an adult female living in the local area purposely hit Mr Chan in her vehicle," he said.

"It is alleged that the female has confessed that she did this to a number of people including ex-spouses, friends and family members."

Mr De Waard said Mr Chan was killed while riding back to the Gatton Caravan Park, where he had been staying, after finishing his shift at the College View McDonalds.

Police investigating the hit and run on the Warrego Highway. Sarah Fleming / Gatton Star

He said he was 1km into his journey when the vehicle struck him.

"Unfortunately it would appear Mr Chan did not die due to the immediate injuries he sustained from the impact with the vehicle," he said.

"Rather, he died from hypothermia after being left in a ditch in the cold weather overnight."

APN attempted to contact Ms McCauley but the calls were not returned.

Mr De Waard said there would be up to 17 witnesses called to give evidence at the inquest including Ms McCauley's children Skye Crystal Maas, Peter Jay Arrowsmith, Tyran Peter Checkley and her sisters.

Ms McCauley's current partner, James Anthony Dyer, as well as her former partners Leslie Terrance Escuder and Robert William Allen will also give evidence at the inquest.

Coroner John Hutton adjourned the inquest until May 19 and indicated it would last for more than seven days.

- APN NEWSDESK