A man has died after a utility crashed on private property in the state’s Hunter region overnight.

About 10pm (Saturday 6 June 2015), a 45-year-old man was driving a Toyota Hilux on private property at Ardglen.

The man’s friend, a 54-year-old man, was standing on the rear tray.

The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll down a hill.

The older man was thrown from the tray and before being struck by the utility as it rolled. He died at the scene.

Emergency services were alerted.

Officers from Hunter Valley Local Area Command attended and the driver was taken to Murrurundi Police Station where he provided a statement to police.

Police from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit are continuing their inquiries and will prepare a report for the Coroner