R.I.P.
TapouT Owner Dies in Horrific Ferrari Crash

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.

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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."

Tags: accident, Charles Lewis Jr, CharlesLewisJr, crash, dead, die, Ferrari, Jeffrey David Kirby, JeffreyDavidKirby, Mask, MMA, Porsche, Tapout

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(Page 2 of 31) Previous 15 Comments | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

16. Sleep well Charles... :-(

Posted at 3:33PM on Mar 11th 2009 by sdsdfs

17. WOW, you are sweet JRock

Must be a douche bag like him!

I know I was mean when I said it..
BUT HONEST

Thanks J for pointing out how gay you are :)

Posted at 3:33PM on Mar 11th 2009 by ☆★RoXaNnE☆★

18. Another idiot. Owns a successful company, has money, acts stupid and dies. Got to love them.

Posted at 3:34PM on Mar 11th 2009 by stoopit

19. Screw all of you. That man did so much for the sport of MMA. Do not think for one second his on camera persona was a representation of his true character. Genuine person with a huge heart. It is sad he will be missed. R.I.P

Posted at 3:35PM on Mar 11th 2009 by B

20. You call the UFC a gift. Then I guess dog-fighting is an anniverary present.
De-volution is happening faster than Global-Warming.

Posted at 3:37PM on Mar 11th 2009 by My feetarecold\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

21. Kudos to him for taking the heat off Nick Hogan. It doesn't matter what a good guy he may have been, he killed himself like an idiot and probably killed his fiance too. Great guy. Let's have a tribute for him.

Posted at 3:36PM on Mar 11th 2009 by marles

22. Who is this dude? I have never heard of him. Pretty sad though. Why do men have to be such stupid idiots and race just to prove how bad ass they are! R.I.P. whoever you are.

Posted at 3:39PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Beth

23. THAT FERRARI IS NOT THAT ULTRA AND NOT THAT RARE AND IT DONT COST $300,000 IT AINT EVEN THE CONVERTABLE,GET YO CAR GAME ON POINT TMZ,BUT MAY HE REST IN PIECE,VERY SAD STORY

Posted at 3:40PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Rektify

24. Him on camera is what he wanted people to see...

I totally took it as him being a douche bag and soooo full of himself

I wouldnt wish him dead...

But, his ego more than likely cost him his life
It sucks..

But, he is a douche bag
in my opinion

give my ass a smooch if you have something stupid to say.. itll make you feel better :)

Posted at 3:40PM on Mar 11th 2009 by ☆★RoXaNnE☆★

25. Ah yes probably another case of more money than driving skill. Of course we don't know the full story. The Porsche driver could have cut him off or forced him off the road. I had that happen one time...I got together (just mirrors) with some clown who could'nt control his car at 120mph +. Fortunately I and he maintained control but that was too close for me.....ya just never know who is in the other car. Better to take it to the track.

Posted at 3:42PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Ferrari Owner

26. CA has come down on street racing from the number of bystanders getting hurt or killed, passengers, and the such. Lawmakers are trying to send a message. I am not sure on the conviction rate they are seeing in these cases where one driver dies and the other driver is held accountable. I would have a difficult time convicting the 'other driver' for anything other then participating in a street race which harmed or killed the other participating driver. I would however feel differently if a passenger or bystander was hurt or killed.

Posted at 3:42PM on Mar 11th 2009 by idiotinthehouse

27. What a horrible and unnecessary way to die! So young, so needless.

Posted at 3:42PM on Mar 11th 2009 by rainbow68

28. "Mask is a cultural revolutionary, constantly evolving. You’ll never see him without his makeup or without his fierce approach, and you'll definitely never catch him off guard – instead, Mask will prey on you."
Not so much anymore I guess.

Posted at 3:43PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Mr.DNA

29. roxanne (ho)...do everyone a favor. ...ride your bike back to your one bed room apartment....pull the rat out of your rotten hole and eat some lead

Posted at 3:49PM on Mar 11th 2009 by assmouth

30. I wish BJ Penn drove a Ferarri.

Posted at 3:50PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Ledge

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