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R.I.P.
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.

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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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46. Don't know who this guy is but in all honesty,what color is he? I am serious,I really don't know.A one word answer will suffice.

Posted at 4:00PM on Mar 11th 2009 by anokie

47. these guys are cavemen.

Posted at 4:00PM on Mar 11th 2009 by gaboo

48. Excuse me #33, but did this wonderful specimen of a human have any consideration for who might have been killed along with him? Perhaps the lady in the car who may or may not make it? Perhaps some random person walking, riding a bike or driving in that area? Did he care? No, he had to prove his manhood by racing a Porsche.

These two asshats did not go to Fontana or Sear's Point to race on the track; they did it on public streets. That is not the action of a selfless, 'good man.' It was the action of a selfish egomaniac who quite frankly, got what he deserved. I feel for the lady in the hospital because while everyone is still buying this guy's crap, long after he is dead, her life (if she lives) will be ruined.

Posted at 4:00PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Ken

49. So tragic - I can't believe people say the things they do on here, makes me have absolutely no hope for human-kind. RIP Charles - my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Posted at 4:01PM on Mar 11th 2009 by MelindaB

50. I dont think that we are out of line to be ROYALLY PO'd at people who endanger people's lives. There Could have been anyone on the road when he decided to use his ego instead of his brain. he could have run down your mom, think about it. He acted like a menace, and this time it hit him instead of one of us.

Posted at 4:01PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Ball istic

51. sucks for him don't it!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 4:04PM on Mar 11th 2009 by just me you wanker

52. i hope his passenger comes through this ok. the mask, him im not so concerned about. too bad that porche douche didnt hit a light pole too. thats the only injustice here.

Posted at 4:05PM on Mar 11th 2009 by smash

53. Tapout aint no household word in my house. All I hear is "Get Out"

Posted at 4:06PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Bill Clinton

54. Holy smokes! That sucks!

Posted at 4:07PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Hot Girls 4 U

55. That sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 4:07PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Hot Girls 4 U

56. R.I.P Charles Lewis Jr. but that was the ultimate TAPOUT

Posted at 4:08PM on Mar 11th 2009 by sam

57. Hahahaha

He did the final Tap Out. hahahaha.

Laters douchy

Posted at 4:08PM on Mar 11th 2009 by Billy

58. aww wow..loved him and the show!!!

Posted at 4:09PM on Mar 11th 2009 by loveem

59. Wow, I was just thinking about him. I met Charles two years ago, he was the nicest guy in the world....so sad!

Posted at 4:47PM on Mar 11th 2009 by kre

60. I HATE TO YELL BUT I GUESS NO ONE HEARD ME.WHAT COLOR IS HE?

Posted at 4:11PM on Mar 11th 2009 by anokie

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