NSW Police confirmed the death in a press release, announcing he died in St George Hospital “as police continue to investigate a shooting in Rockdale”.

It is believed he was shot at least half a dozen times in the face, shoulders and chest while he was inside a car outside Fitness First gym on West Botany Street in Rockdale at about 12.10pm AEDT today.

Hawi was on life support and had been declared brain dead. It is believed Hawi suffered multiple heart attacks after being shot.

Meanwhile the ABC reports a burnt-out abandoned vehicle discovered nearby the shooting is understood to be the getaway vehicle.

7 News reports it has “exclusive”video of the shooting suspects making their getaway.

Police and medics rushed to the scene and emergency workers performed CPR on Hawi as he was suffering a cardiac arrest.

A spokesman for NSW Ambulance said a man had been shot and that he was taken to St George Hospital with serious injuries after a shooting at the location.

A spokeswoman for NSW Police said officers attended a carpark area in West Botany Road after receiving information a man had been shot.

“Police found a man suffering a gunshot wound and he was taken to St George Hospital in a serious condition,” she said.

“It appears the offender fled in a vehicle last seen in Lindsay Street.”

Owner of IYN Physiotherapy Reshan Mutukrishna told the Telegraph he heard “four bangs” which he said sounded like firecrackers. He described the gym went into “lockdown” soon after.

There are also unconfirmed reports suggest a Mercedes was seen fleeing the scene.

Hawi was convicted of manslaughter over an attack at Sydney Airport in 2009 in which a rival bikie was killed.

The former Comancheros boss was jailed for five years for the killing of Hells Angels associate Anthony Zervas in the violent brawl.

Hawi was originally found guilty of murder, but his conviction was overturned on appeal and he plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

He was released in 2015 after a board approved his parole based on his “satisfactory prison performance”.

Conditions of his bail included him not associating with outlaw motorcycle gangs, or frequenting bikie-owned premises.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Hawi began his relationship with his wife, Carolina Gonzales, in 1995 while they were both still at school. In 2002 they were married and have two sons together aged 8 and 2½.

Their second son was born shortly after Hawi was arrested for murder and remanded in custody.

Prior to his incarceration they were living together at their home at Bexley.

NSW Police say a crime scene has been established and investigations are continuing.

NSW Ambulance Superintendent Greg Price said the man was in cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived.

“Four paramedic units were on scene within seven minutes,” Mr Price said

“The patient was transported to hospital within six minutes from arrival on scene.

“The scene was very confronting for emergency service personnel. The paramedics performed their role to a high standard.

“I’d like to commend the paramedics and other emergency service personnel involved in this incident for their excellent work.”

A spokeswoman from Fitness First said it is aware of the shooting.

“We are fully complying with the police investigation and as a result we have closed this facility until further notice,” he said.

“Due to the nature of the ongoing investigation we are unable to provide further details at this time. Our priority is ensuring our staff and members are provided the right support at this time”.