Sad story for MMA fans...check out his Ferrari

[Smith]

Just saw this. Evidently happened back in March.

TapouT Owner Dies in Horrific Ferrari Crash | TMZ.com

TapouT Owner Dies in Horrific Ferrari Crash

Posted Mar 11th 2009 3:12PM by TMZ Staff

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.

UPDATE: A rep for TapouT released this 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-wishes during this incredibly difficult time."

[Motasyco]

I won't miss him. Oh...this was in March. I haven't missed him.

[Garufa]

Guess he's Tapped-ouT.

[Angus]

Ya think maybe his mascarra ran, and it obscured his vision?...Or maybe he was just another DB?

[Smith]

Man you guys are harsh! Didn't know the guy except that he went from selling t-shirts out the back of his car to owning a multimillion dollar company. Pretty impressive. I'm gonna make sure no one tells you guys if I die.

[Cajun]

This is pretty old news. Sad news but old.

[Motasyco]

I like MMA just fine. This guy thought it was wrasslin'. Or Halloween. He did nothing to help the image of MMA. He was a joke. Just my opinion.

[Guest mustangdave]

If I remember correctly the Ferrari was side swiped by a Porsche Carrera...the Porsche driver was DUI...the Ferrari hit the light pole hard enough to SPLIT the car in half. They were "racing" too

[Seaslug]

I like MMA just fine. This guy thought it was wrasslin'. Or Halloween. He did nothing to help the image of MMA. He was a joke. Just my opinion.

I actually disagree with this statement. Mr. Lewis used his alter-ego to get noticed by the douchebag-fratboy-wannabe crowd, which in turn helped MMA get exposure with a much larger audience (making him millions of dollars in the process, which is never anything to sneeze at). Also, the Tapout show on the Vs. Network gave viewers a little glimpse inside the lives of up and coming fighters, which in turn made them more human and more mainstream. I actually think that "Mask" had quite a bit to do with the current level of success that MMA enjoys. JMO

Oh, and here's a pic of me and 2 of my bouncer buddies dressed as the Tapout guys for Halloween 2007. I'm SkySkrape...

[Guest mustangdave]

I actually disagree with this statement. Mr. Lewis used his alter-ego to get noticed by the douchebag-fratboy-wannabe crowd, which in turn helped MMA get exposure with a much larger audience (making him millions of dollars in the process, which is never anything to sneeze at). Also, the Tapout show on the Vs. Network gave viewers a little glimpse inside the lives of up and coming fighters, which in turn made them more human and more mainstream. I actually think that "Mask" had quite a bit to do with the current level of success that MMA enjoys. JMO

Oh, and here's a pic of me and 2 of my bouncer buddies dressed as the Tapout guys for Halloween 2007. I'm SkySkrape...

I agree with you on this...but IF I'd seen this pic on any other forum...I mighta been tempted to say....LOSERS....but as Skyscraper....you got it going on...LMAO

[Guest SUNTZU]

I think I recognize that bar. Where are your glowsticks?

[Seaslug]

I agree with you on this...but IF I'd seen this pic on any other forum...I mighta been tempted to say....LOSERS....but as Skyscraper....you got it going on...LMAO

Hurtful, dude. Hurtful. And I beg to differ. I thought we looked GOOOOD!

I think I recognize that bar. Where are your glowsticks?

I didn't spend a lot of time in the "glowsticks" bar. I stayed up in the "half-naked-underaged-hoochies" bar that shared the same property and served as the human stripper pole...

[Guest SUNTZU]

You pass the test, young grasshopper. THAT bar is a fun filled candy store that gets you hauled off in a paddy wagon.

[Guest beefcakeb0]

yal are just like me... heartless

[Seaslug]

You pass the test, young grasshopper. THAT bar is a fun filled candy store that gets you hauled off in a paddy wagon.

Dude, I certainly did more than my fair share of stuff in that place that SHOULD have resulted in me being hauled off in the paddy wagon, but membership has its privileges...

Also, since I've apparently COMPLETELY hijacked this thread, here are some pictures of some of the aforementioned half-naked hoochies from that same night. Oh, and R.I.P. Mask...

[Guest mustangdave]

If the wig and the shades work for ya...I can't top that...but would you TAP those?

[Motasyco]

Thanks for making my point!