Police have charged the driver of a ute after his passenger was killed when he fell from the vehicle at Port Stephens.
The 20-year-old victim allegedly climbed into the tray as the vehicle drove along Mungo Brush Road late on Saturday night to secure a load of timber before falling.
He was found by a passer-by with a severe head injury however he was unable to be revived.
The 29-year-old driver has been charged with a range of driving and drink driving offences.
He's been granted conditional bail to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on November 7.
