Tapout Co-Founder Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr. Dies in Car Crash

[Brad Russ]

R.I.P. Mask

Tapout has confirmed that Charles Lewis (AKA Mask) died early Wednesday morning in a car accident.

“Mask”, who’s real name is Charles Lewis Jr., died around 1a.m. Wednesday morning when his Ferrari Modena struck a utility pole in Newport Beach, California. Mask, thought to be driving, had a female companion in the Ferrari with him who was ejected from the car and transported to the Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where she remains in stable condition, according to Lt. Fox of the Newport Beach Police Department.

The driver of a second car involved in the accident, 51-year-old Jeffrey David Kirby of Costa Mesa, was arrested for for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. He was booked … on a $1 million bail. Lynn Marie Nabozny, Kirby’s passenger, was arrested for public intoxication and later released. Kirby, the driver of a white Porsche, and his passenger initially fled the scene of the accident but were detained a few blocks away after an on duty police officer witnessed the tail end of the accident.

“There were skid marks found at the scene,” said Lt. Fox, who confirmed investigators were still sifting through the crash scene as of noon PST today. “It appears there were maybe high rates of speed involved, but they don’t know what led up to the collision. The officer (who witnessed the crash) didn’t see that. He barely saw the after effects of what appears to be the possible collision.”

This is truly a sad day in MMA history. Mask, along with “Punkass” (real name, Dan Caldwell), founded Tapout in 1997. Tapout is the most successful MMA apparel company in the business. With only a few thousand dollars of start-up money and a trunk full of shirts in 1997, Tapout grew into a $100 million+/year company by 2008. The great success was a direct reflection and true testament to the hard work of Mask, Punkass, and Skyscrape. Mask will be missed tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr.

TapouT Statement:

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we must regretfully confirm the passing of our beloved friend, brother and co-founder Charles “Mask” Lewis following a car accident that occurred last night. We are currently in the process of setting up a memorial service in his honor and will release more details as they become available. Many thanks to all for the outpouring of blessings and well-wishing during this incredibly difficult time.” – The TapouT Family

R.I.P. Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr.
News coverage of the accident…

[catlover79]

[Marvo301]

Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr.