While not officially confirmed, It looks like TapouT’s Charles “Mask” Lewis might have died in an apparent street racing accident in Newport Beach earlier this morning.
An unnamed source has told Ringleadfightnews.com that the deceased driver was TapouT Crew member and part owner of the multi-million dollar company, “Mask.†The information could not be verified and is still speculation at this point.
Mrs. Tracy Lee of Combat Lifestyle on the Underground
i described the car to punkass and he said it sounds like it was him..
UPDATE: TMZ confirms it was Mask…
TMZ has confirmed the owner of the TapouT MMA clothing line died this morning when his ultra-rare $300,000 Ferrari crashed into a light pole, ripping the car in half.
TMZ has learned Charles Lewis Jr. — aka “Mask” — was driving his Ferrari Modena in Orange County, Calif. around 1:00 AM this morning when cops say it “left the roadway, hit the curb, took out a light pole.”
“Mask” was declared dead at the scene. A female passenger — who was ejected from the crash — was taken to a local hospital, but we’re told she’s in bad shape.
Cops believe “Mask” was racing a guy in a Porsche at the time of the crash, and authorities have since arrested the guy they believe was driving the other car. That man — Jeffrey David Kirby — is being held on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter.
Charles “Mask Lewis and Dan “Punkass” Caldwell founded the Tapout clothing company in 1997. The company made a name for itself sponsoring up and coming fighters and events. Mask was a true pioneer of the sport, he will be missed…
UPDATE 2: Tapout releases 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
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