Driver charged after teen’s fatal fall while ‘surfing’ on roof of Uber ride

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A driver in New York has been charged with manslaughter after a teenage boy climbed on the roof of his car and fell to his death during the ride.

Danyal Cheema, 24, an Uber driver, is facing the charge of second-degree manslaughter after Ryan Mullen, 15, died due to a traumatic brain injury from the fall, reported WABC yesterday, Nov. 5.

Cheema was driving a 2010 Toyota Highlander SUV when he picked up three teenage boys in Long Island past midnight on Sept. 23. The boys had been drinking and partying.

The driver said he was offered $70 to let them climb on the roof of the car and “surf.” The boys took back their offer but later offered $40, which Cheema accepted.

Two boys, one of whom was Mullen, were atop the roop while Cheema drove. The third companion recorded them on a Snapchat video.

When Mullen fell off the vehicle, his head struck the pavement and suffered from blunt force trauma, which fractured his skull. The driver took the boys to their destination, the house of Mullen’s friend. Mullen died in his sleep later in the day.

Cheema was arrested on Sunday and pleaded not guilty to second-degree manslaughter during his arraignment on Monday, reported NBC News earlier today, Nov. 6. His bail is set at $200,000 cash or $400,000 bond.

His license has been suspended and Uber has permanently removed him from the app. If convicted, he faces five to 15 years in prison. He is set to return to court on Friday.  Niña V. Guno /ra

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