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TapouT co-founder Charles "Mask" Lewis died in a car accident early Wednesday morning in Newport Beach, California.
A 1977 Porsche coupe collided with Lewis' 2004 Ferrari Modena, crashing it into a light pole that destroyed the entire front of the car.
Jeffrey David Kirby, the driver of the 1977 Porsche, has been arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The official TapouT website has confirmed the passing.
"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," the website stated. "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-wishing during this incredibly difficult time."
Lewis co-founded the TapouT clothing company in 1997 with Dan Caldwell.
Lewis and TapouT pioneered mixed martial arts fashion and gained notoriety in a unique way, by creating larger-than-life personas to market the clothing. Lewis called himself "Mask" and wore face paint while decked in camouflage gear with a large hat. Caldwell, referred to as "Punkass" was the quiet one and a third partner "Skyscraper" was later added.
In 2007, the three starred in their very own series, "TapouT" on Versus, where the group travelled the US scouting up-and-coming fighters to sponsor.
A 1977 Porsche coupe collided with Lewis' 2004 Ferrari Modena, crashing it into a light pole that destroyed the entire front of the car.
Jeffrey David Kirby, the driver of the 1977 Porsche, has been arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
The official TapouT website has confirmed the passing.
"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," the website stated. "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-wishing during this incredibly difficult time."
Lewis co-founded the TapouT clothing company in 1997 with Dan Caldwell.
Lewis and TapouT pioneered mixed martial arts fashion and gained notoriety in a unique way, by creating larger-than-life personas to market the clothing. Lewis called himself "Mask" and wore face paint while decked in camouflage gear with a large hat. Caldwell, referred to as "Punkass" was the quiet one and a third partner "Skyscraper" was later added.
In 2007, the three starred in their very own series, "TapouT" on Versus, where the group travelled the US scouting up-and-coming fighters to sponsor.
