A driver has been charged after his passenger died from head injuries when he fell off the back of a moving ute while trying to hold a load of timber near Port Stephens.
Police will allege a 29-year-old man was driving the ute at Mungo Brush at about 11pm Saturday when his 20-year-old passenger climbed into the tray to secure the timber.
After a short time the driver stopped and realised the passenger was missing.
A passer-by found the man with severe head injuries on the side of the road and attempted CPR but he died at the scene.
The driver has been charged with numerous offences including dangerous driving occasioning death and mid-range drink driving. His licence has been suspended and he is due to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court next month.
