I was surprised to learn he was a marine, former sheriff's deputy, and star athlete at San Bernardino,. Co-founder of TapOut, Dan "Punk Ass" Caldwell is greeted at a memorial service for Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr., the clothing entrepreneur who died in a car crash, Tuesday April 14, 2009. After the accident, Lewis was posthumously inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, the only non-fighter ever to have received the honour. During December of 2018, while memorabilia searching online I came across an ad by a seller claiming to have Charles MASK Lewis memorabilia. TapouT announced the death of Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr. in a statement and said a memorial service was being planned. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Well, I dont know how to contact Dana White and Im sure there are people much closer to Mask than Dana White deserving of them. Below I've included some comments about him from various people on-line: Mask was known for his kindness and willingness to help others who were less fortunate. Known by his nickname "Mask", Lewis founded the Tapout clothing line in 1997, which eventually became a multimillion-dollar clothing company.[1]. Released September 2011, the film Warrior was dedicated "In loving memory of our friend, Charles 'Mask' Lewis Jr.". He became known as Mask because he painted stripes on his face and wore a top hat, and as well known in MMA circles as many of the fighters. Your Stylist: Cropped tops - L.As best stylists for short hair, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, Review: A reimagined Secret Garden fails to flower anew at the Ahmanson Theatre, A $150,000 executive protection dog? Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Respect your opponent, respect yourself, and try.". Kaya C.D, Lewis said her little brother never drank alcohol, never smoked marijuana or did any drugs, and that she cannot enjoy dining out at a restaurant anymore because she sees cocktails being served and I want to know who is the designated driver at that tableWhen people drink and get behind the wheel and drive, that vehicles goes from a mode of transportation to a weapon., White, Lewis girlfriend who survived the crash, said it changed her life forever, and she continues to suffer devastating physical and emotional painIm still sad I never got to say goodbye.. Candle wax spills at a memorial that has been setup at the scene of Charles "Mask" Lewis', founder of TapouT clothing, crash on Jamboree Road, near Eastbluff Drive in Newport Beach, Thursday morning, March 12, 2009. 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,. Lewis passed on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 in Newport Beach, STEPHEN Don't just stick to the Malbec! It is presumed that the two vehicles were traveling alongside one another at high speed. He said one of Lewis' signature phrases was simply believe.. Try again later. My first big purchase was Tank Abbotts Ultimate Ultimate 95 fight worn Tiger Asic shoes. Top nutrition scientist says you should drink as many varieties as possible UK's electric car revolution stalls: Britain falling behind US and Europe in race to become an EV Charles evicting Harry and Meghan is the act of a King putting his country first: REBECCA ENGLISH reveals A royal princess at Eton? This is a carousel with slides. SIMPLY BELIEVE June 23, 1963 March 11, 2009 It May Not Be Me That Touches A Million PeopleBut Maybe I'll Touch The One That Touches A Million, Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Death 11 Mar 2009 Burial . My favorite episode was when the crew traveled out to Hilo to see Albert Manners, a talented but troubled kid who BJ was almost ready to give up on. The film also will be available on Netflix this fall. C.D. These urns have inspired me to research the man behind the Mask, Charles Lewis, Jr. Twenty-three-year-old Lacy Lynn White, a female occupant of Lewis's Ferrari, was ejected from the vehicle and was taken to a hospital. Try again later. Her March 11 began as every one of them has since her brother's death three years ago. An urn with his remains sits on the desk in the middle of the room, April 8, 2009. Mask was a guy that seemed to get along with everyone; he seemed like he never took life to seriously, he just lived. Known by his nickname Mask, Lewis founded the Tapout clothing line in 1997, which eventually became a multimilliondollar clothing company. The only problem was I didnt have any money. All of them were still featured fully dressed in their TapouT clothing. [1] His Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, a race version of the Ferrari 360 Modena collided with a 1977 Porsche before hitting a light pole. You truly loved mixed martial arts, and it showed. "Mask" had just recently moved into his newly completed office just before his death. Baez argued for the aggravated term of 13 years in prison, contending in part that Kirby knew that drinking and driving as dangerous because of two prior drunken-driving convictions, but chose to do so anyway. (TerribleT), Mask was an inspiration to all, and this is a great loss for MMA. Weve updated the security on the site. Lewis was known as "Mask", because of stripes of facepaint he frequently used.Entertainment:In 2007, Lewis, along with promoters "Skyskrape" and "Punkass", starred in TapouT, a reality television series on cable channel Versus that followed up-and-coming mixed martial arts fighters. She suffered a fractured elbow and lacerations. As a kid I chased down any and every lead. Jurors in Santa Ana found him guilty on the manslaughter charge on Wednesday night. 2023 Getty Images. We are currently in the process of setting up a memorial service in his honor and will release more details as they become available.". The series aired for two seasons on Versus, the network which later became NBCSN. Toohey cited that remorse and noted that Lewis joined in the dangerous conduct by racing with Kirby when he opted for a mid-term sentence rather that an aggravated one. From game used baseball bats to vintage game worn jerseys to even a 1952 Mickey Mantle rookie, but thats a different story, I have had it all. He claimed to have purchased a storage unit in California through auction and found all of these items in it. Lewis was a pioneer in mixed martial arts, which combines wrestling, martial arts and boxing. I had him send me more photos of the contents of the storage unit and was very shocked to see eight little urns with the words Tapout across the top and MASK down the front along with death records and funeral arrangement paperwork for Charles. Are these sacred and beyond a museum needing to be returned to friends and family? Mask influenced so many people in such a positive way that he is owed that, even in death. Menu. 2010 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. By David Gardner for MailOnline Updated: 13:34 GMT, 10 December 2010. Kirby was sentenced to nine years in state prison in the 2009 high-speed, street racing crash in Newport Beach that killed Charles Lewis, Jr. Mask was the colorful co-owner of Tapout. Conversations, texts, and emails led me to mentioning the urns and it brought great surprise to everyone who was told of them. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. What this guy did for the up and coming fighters, and for the sport in general was unbelievable. However, the Orange County coroner's office did not immediately confirm his identity. His dream was to bring his TapouT brand to the public, and he achieved his goal though hard work and dedication. In 2011, Jeffrey David Kirby, who drove the Porsche that hit Masks car under the influence of alcohol, was sentenced to nine years in prison for his part in the crash and Masks death. He was posthumously inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2009, the only non-fighter ever inducted. LEWIS, Jr., CHARLES "MASK" Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr.- founder of the hugely successful MMA apparel brand TapouT- has died at the age of 45. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Year should not be greater than current year. Charles Lewis Jr. (June 23, 1963 March 11, 2009) was an American businessman, promoter and entertainer. SANTA ANA, Calif. (CBS/AP) A Southern California jury convicted a 53-year-old man Wednesday of killing mixed martial arts promoter and founder of the TapouT clothing line, Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr., in a drunken-driving car crash. I saw a vehicle collide with a fixed object. The second season of the program began airing in July 2008.Legacy:In 2009, Lewis was featured in the video game UFC 2009 Undisputed as an unlockable fighter along with "Skyscrape" and "Punkass" all not dressed in standard UFC attire but in TapouT clothes including hats, shirts, and shoes. I once heard someone say that he was just as important to MMA has the 4 oz. Mask, the father of two young children had touched many people with his positive nature and outlook on life. Mask died on March 11, 2009, in Newport Beach, California. I was even told by one guy that (UFC President) Dana White would want them and I should contact him, apparently Dana was also very close to Mask. He will be deeply missed and he will never be forgotten. He was a real person,I watched the TapouT show all the time, and saw how passionate he was, when a fighter needed to vent, he was there to listen. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Horror: The remains of the Ferrari being driven by Charles Lewis in Newport Beach, California last March. [3] The driver of the Porsche was arrested for "alcohol-related gross vehicular manslaughter". No, more than a given, actually. Collect, curate and comment on your files. The crash was witnessed by Jonathan Sunshine, a Newport Beach reserve police officer, who was driving a prisoner in a police van to Orange County Jail on Jamboree Road when he saw two sets of headlights approaching fast from the opposite lanes. The Scottish musician, 26, was filmed calling out a female fan who was . He was a true example of the motto "That it is much better to give than it is to receive" and his life attests to this. At one point before I left the Tapout compound in Grand Terrace last August, Lewis sat across from me in the conference room. Failed to delete memorial. A few texts later I was finally in touch with the seller and got the information I was looking for to prove the authenticity of what he was selling. 2023 Getty Images. Everyone wanted them and I started getting more texts and calls from people claiming to be Masks friends and family. Add to your scrapbook. I wish I could right the wrong I have causedI wish I could reverse the miseries I have caused, I never should have driven that night after drinking alcohol, he said wiping tears from his eyes. First published on December 9, 2010 / 3:53 PM. Dan The Beast Severn, David Tank Abbott, Guy Mezger you name it, we tried calling them on most occasions they would actually give us a few moments of their time. More. He never gave up on the sport, or his dream. "Kaya" Lewis stood on the side of Jamboree Road in Newport Beach, ready for her 12-hour vigil,. They were given to one of his training partners and later sold to the guy I bought them from. Alcohol is a major factor in this case, said Orange County Deputy District Attorney Jason Baez. Charles Lewis Jr., a.k.a 'Mask,' founder of the Tapout brand of mixed martial arts apparel label, has died in a Newport Beach car accident, reports our L.A. Now compatriot Ari B. Bloomekatz. LANSING - Charles Lewis Jr. might have been a free man by August, if not for what he did last summer. See About archive blog posts. Lewis was also known by the nickname "Mask" due to. Thanks for your help! Mask gave Albert some money for food, hooked him up with all the TapouT gear he could ever dream of, and even got him his own apartment. Try again. GREAT NEWS! Executive Assistant Leree Greenhalgh is one of over 40 employees at TapouT that has tattooed themselves with Charles "Mask" Lewis' motto, "Simply Believe" since his death. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Masks Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale crashed with a Porsche, went out of control, and hit a light pole. The tragic death of Mask in the winter of 2009 led to the demise of Tapout as we knew them in the MMA world. Not because I knew the guy personally, but because his passion for MMA was so infectious I felt like I knew him. [4] competing in an MMA tournament against each other. Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr. (Gabriel Bouys/Getty Images) SANTA ANA, Calif. (CBS/AP) A Southern California jury convicted a 53-year-old man Wednesday of killing mixed martial arts promoter and. Prosecutors say Kirby had a blood-alcohol level of nearly twice the All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. Around 1994 I started watching the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Charles Lewis Jr., better known as "Mask," from the TapouT crew. Learn more about managing a memorial . Remembering Charles 'Mask' Lewis. Charles Lewis Jr., 45, of Huntington Beach, helped create a company called TapouT, a mixed martial arts empire said to be worth $100 million. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. The director and co-writer of the film, Gavin OConnor, eventually plays the role in the film. Mask was larger than life. We have set your language to Mask was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2009, becoming the first non-fighter to enter the UFC Hall of Fame. Charles 'Mask' Lewis Jr., Self: History of MMA. A system error has occurred. Lewis, who was known as Mask by fans of mixed-martial arts, was killed instantly. He and friends sold T-shirts at local gyms and events before founding the clothing line TapouT in 1997. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Co-founder of TapOut, Dan "Punk Ass" Caldwell is greeted at a memorial service for Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr., the clothing entrepreneur who died in a car crash, Tuesday April 14, 2009. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. It wasnt until around 2010 that I started noticing MMA memorabilia starting to take off. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Jeffrey Kirby lost control of his 1977 Porsche and crashed into a Ferrari being driven by Charles Mask Lewis, the founder of the popular TapouT clothing line. Unlockable by achieving three consecutive submission victories in Career mode, he fights in the Light Heavyweight class. Overall it's a pretty thorough look at the life of Charles "Mask" Lewis in terms of what shaped him and how he built an apparel brand from virtually nothing to one of great value. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Search above to list available cemeteries. He was initially charged with hit-and-run, but the seven-woman, five-man jury acquitted him on that count, potentially saving him an additional five years in prison. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Co-founder of TapouT Dan "Punk Ass" Caldwell was remembering his friend and partner, Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr. by wearing some of his clothes at a memorial service for Lewis at Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Tuesday April 14, 2009. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. Kirby could face up to 13 years in prison. His passenger was thrown clear of the wreckage but suffered multiple bone fractures. "At the end of the day, the world's going to know my dream." They were joined by Bobby Razak, the founder of Tapout Films and the media department of the company. In those days it was just a quick call. Mask is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino, California. I gave the guy a call. Learn more about merges. It led to a company worth a ton of money, well deserved for all of the hard work these guys put into it. A pioneering mogul in mixed martial arts and co-founder of TapouT clothing line, Charles 'Mask' Lewis Jr. died when his 2004 Ferrari Modena crashed after it and a 1977 Porsche began. now every-time I see Donald Cerrone fight, I can't help but to yell it also. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. But even in my brief encounter with him, I could see something deeper and more meaningful behind the face paint and floppy camo hat. REVEALED: Roald Dahl books were neutered by woke consultants aged eight to 30 - led by 'non-binary, asexual, Do not sell or share my personal information. There was an error deleting this problem. Read Complete Obituary More Celebrity Deaths View Most Recent Celebrity Deaths by Category Politics Movies Business Music Sports Found more than one record for entered Email, You need to confirm this account before you can sign in. This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Many thanks to all for the outpouring of blessings and well-wishing during this incredibly difficult time. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. As per reports, Mask was slated to portray the role of the fight promoter in Warrior prior to his death in 2009. Charles. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. Mask has died in a car crash. Rich L.A. homeowners are snapping them up. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Contact the writer: lwelborn@ocregister.com or 714-834-3784, Driver gets 9 years in TapouT founders death, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Rep. Linda Snchez is the first woman to lead campaign arm of Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Snow at Disneyland and other lower-elevation places in SoCal? Oops, something didn't work. He was always quick with an analogy. But she survived. based on information from your browser. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Mask was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in July 2009 as the first non-fighter at the UFC 100 Fan Expo. Couple find note in chimney that reveals their 290,000 house was 100 times cheaper 50 years ago. Closing arguments begin in double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, Where things stand in the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial, Explosive found in checked luggage at Pennsylvania airport, feds say. legal limit two hours after the collision. Of Mask in the conference room Tapout in 1997, which combines wrestling, arts... Difficult time Gardner for MailOnline Updated: 13:34 GMT, 10 December 2010 visible while review! 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