A man has died after falling from a ute north of Port Stephens.
Around 11 o’clock last night, a Holden ute was driving on Mungo Brush Road, Mungo Brush carrying timber in the tray.
According to reports, the 20-year-old male passenger got into the tray to hold the timber while the ute was driving.
The driver became concerned a short time later when he had not heard from the passenger. He stopped the ute to investigate, but the passenger was gone.
The 20-year-old was found by a passerby a short time later on the roadside with severe head injuries. The bystander attempted CPR, but the man died at the scene.
The 29-year-old male driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
The driver has since been charged with several offences in relation to the incident, including dangerous driving occasioning death, and driving under the influence.
The man’s licence was suspended and he will appear in court on Monday 7 November.
