TapouT co-founder, MMA sponsor splits ferrari in half and dies
03-13-2009, 01:26 PM
#1
TECH Enthusiast
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
TapouT co-founder, MMA sponsor splits ferrari in half and dies 
The mixed martial arts community lost one of its biggest personalities early Wednesday morning in a car crash in Costa Mesa, Calif.
High-speed tragedy Photos: TapouT co-founder Charles "Mask" Lewis died after his Ferrari hit a lamp post at a high speed and split in two on a California road. Check out the aftermath of the crash.
Charles "Mask" Lewis, the 45-year-old co-founder of the TapouT apparel company, died when he lost control of his Ferrari and hit a lamp pole. Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement on its Web site, TapouT said, "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. ... Many thanks to all for the outpouring of blessings and well-wishes during this incredibly difficult time."
The Los Angeles Times reported that a Newport Beach Police Department officer witnessed the crash and saw Lewis' red Ferrari and a white Porsche spinning out of control just before 1 a.m. Wednesday. The Ferrari then hit the curb and collided into a pole.
Charles "Mask" Lewis (www.tapout.com / Special to FOXSports.com)
"It was terrible," Newport Beach Lt. Craig Fox told the Times. "It was extensive damage to the vehicle."
A woman in the Ferrari was ejected from the vehicle and was in stable condition at a local hospital. Police haven't determined if she was the driver or passenger of the Ferrari, according to the Times.
Police later arrested the driver of the Porsche, Jeffrey David Kirby, and charged him with gross vehicular manslaughter. He was being held on $1 million bail.
There was a 50-mph limit on the road, but police believe both cars were traveling well above that limit, according to a report on KTLA.com. The Web site also reported that Lewis' car appeared to be a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, which can reach a top speed of 205 mph and carries a price tag around $300,000.
Lewis and Dan "Punkass" Caldwell founded TapouT in 1997 as a clothing and MMA gear retailer. In addition to retail, the private company also signed deals with fighters, including Kimbo Slice, and is a sponsor of fight events
http://msn.foxsports.com/boxing/sto...HPHCP>1=39002
03-13-2009, 02:57 PM
#2
Trending Topics
03-13-2009, 08:23 PM
#9
I'm hoping that the female passenger pulls through & without any life altering injuries. That man "Charles" had helped a lot of people with his self made $. I choose to remember him in that way.
03-13-2009, 09:13 PM
#10
**** happens. We don't buy/build fast street cars to stare at them. Some race on the track (I don't).
No reason to call the guy stupid without knowing the facts. Regardless, I'll remember to say the same to you if/when a part fails on your car/you catch some sand/who the **** knows what... ends your life.
No reason to call the guy stupid without knowing the facts. Regardless, I'll remember to say the same to you if/when a part fails on your car/you catch some sand/who the **** knows what... ends your life.
03-13-2009, 09:43 PM
#11
**** happens. We don't buy/build fast street cars to stare at them. Some race on the track (I don't).
No reason to call the guy stupid without knowing the facts. Regardless, I'll remember to say the same to you if/when a part fails on your car/you catch some sand/who the **** knows what... ends your life.
No reason to call the guy stupid without knowing the facts. Regardless, I'll remember to say the same to you if/when a part fails on your car/you catch some sand/who the **** knows what... ends your life.
LOL...Ya know, my original post was worded in a similar fashion. Decided to go with the subtle approach instead. Am glad you said it & I couldn't agree more.
03-18-2009, 04:49 AM
#14
oh my god how tragic. I mean seriously, this is messed up! You are all so insensitive!! How could you post some of the things you've said when there has been such a devastating loss.
I mean, do you even know how rare that Ferrari is?
I mean, do you even know how rare that Ferrari is?
03-18-2009, 07:39 PM
#19
TECH Regular
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: league city,tx
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I read on another site that the Porsche driver was observed actually clipping Mask's car thus causing him to lose control. The guy in the Porsche kept driving, and eventually pulled over, got out and started walking down the street like he wasn't the owner of the car or involved in the accident that he caused down the street. I guess this guy is a real piece of work as he was drunk; 2nd dui in the past couple of years.
03-18-2009, 08:14 PM
#20
I'm amazed that the woman is in stable condition and didn't die, that is a nasty wreck.
There should be a ls1tech site poll on if you have or haven't been triple digits outside of a track environment, I'm sure its at least 75% of the people on here. I hate reading comments like you're a idiot, one less moron, etc. We don't know the circumstances.
There should be a ls1tech site poll on if you have or haven't been triple digits outside of a track environment, I'm sure its at least 75% of the people on here. I hate reading comments like you're a idiot, one less moron, etc. We don't know the circumstances.