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

31. wow such heartless people in the world....you guys are way out of line here. RIP Charles

Posted at 3:57PM on Mar 11th 2009 by tmzfan

32. One wonders if the Porsche driver pulled up the the wreckage, leaned out the window and said, "Porsche, there is no substitute."

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

33. 7. Darwin Award Nominee




lmfao so true so true


that's a good movie btw

Posted at 3:53PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Brandi

34. Very sad.....but dumb people do dumb things

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

35. The follow statement is from Mask himself. He started his business from nothing and look at where he is now. He was a good mean with a giant heart who always helped others. I would much rather my son look up to him as a role model as opposed to someone like ARod who cheated his way to the top. My families condolences go out to Punkass, Skyscrape and Mask's family. You will be dearly missed and we will continue to purchase our clothing from Tapout because it will help to carry on his dream that he worked so hard to achieve!!!
Mask's Mission Statement!
Life is full of influences, It's your application that sets you apart.
That's something I wrote to myself and completely believe in. You can't be scared to set out to do something in life because you believe it may be similar to something, or because you don't know the clear cut path on how you're going to accomplish your goal or dream! Just take a step towards your belief daily - fearlessly, wholeheartedly, digging and dreaming within yourself, believing that as you push on through sacrifice, you will one day stand alone on top of a hill that you created that now encourages and inspires others to chase their dream. Knowing that through tenacity and patience anything can be achieved.
If you simply believe

Posted at 3:51PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Karyl

36. But is the light pole ok?

Posted at 3:52PM on Mar 11th 2009 by gaboo

37. i knew Charles when he was putting Tap Out together years ago- Charles had a will to see his company succeed and he made it happen and he spent years working hard to see his dream through. He was a good man and he served this country before his fame as a United States Marine. RIP, you are missed.

To those of you speaking ill of him, get bent you soulless aholes

Posted at 3:54PM on Mar 11th 2009 by warrior caliber

38. I dont understand why the individual that was said to be racing the victim is getting time as far as manslaughter when Hulk Hogans son left his BEST FRIEND in a vegitable state and he recieved a slap on the wrist or ass and then released...I guess money does make a world of a differance but dam it shouldnt be so obvious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 3:55PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Tammt

39. wow

Posted at 3:57PM on Mar 11th 2009 by crazy

40. That is HILARIOUS!
This feminine-hygiene-product endangers other people's lives by getting into a street race, and ends up killing himself. Fabulous.
Glad he is gone. People like that are a danger to us all.

Posted at 3:57PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Ball istic

41. Never heard of him or the show. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Posted at 3:57PM on Mar 11th 2009 by aeharvey

42. this is so sad. I'm crying and praying though.

Posted at 5:17PM on Mar 11th 2009 by TG

43. Agreed. Mask was just a public persona. I met charles several times and he was actually one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. Hey roxanne, are you wishing death on any movie actor who has ever played the villian role? Your statements are actually funny, since judging by your posts here you're apparently a massive c*nt, regardless of how you act when you aren't hiding behind the anonymous nature of the internet.

Posted at 3:57PM on Mar 11th 2009 by thereverendpd

44. I met Mask last summer for a story I was doing on MMA. He was a delightful, very cooperative man who passionately believed in what he was doing. Although I was new to the sport, he was very helpful in explaining his humble beginnings (selling merchandise from his car outside of MMA shows when he had no home) and why the sport meant so much. As for you people hating on him, remember, there but for the grace of God go I - and you.

RIP Mask.

Posted at 3:59PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Elle

45. Pole is a cultural revolutionary, constantly evolving. You’ll never see it without its light on or without its fierce brightness, and you'll definitely never catch it off – instead, Pole will prey on you

Posted at 3:58PM on Mar 11th 2009 by purevl

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