March 11, 2009

Today on Fight Network Radio, host Mauro Ranallo discusses reports from myfoxla.com regarding a car accident that allegedly has claimed the life of Charles Lewis Jr. also known as Mask, the founder of multi-million dollar company, popular MMA clothing line and television show TapouT.

According to our sources close to TapouT, the story is true, however we still await official confirmation.

Charles “Mask” Lewis, a founder of the popular mixed martial arts-based clothing line and gear TapouT, was killed this morning in a Newport Beach car crash, Affliction Clothing executive Tom Atencio just told The Times.

“One of his partners called and told us,” Atencio said. “He was a good guy, motivated to succeed.”

The Times has dispatched Metro reporters to the scene, and we’ll have more later on latimes.com.

“Mask” was killed driving a Ferrari, Atencio said, and Newport Beach police have reportedly arrested the driver of a Porsche that was said to have been racing Lewis.

Updated at 1:24 p.m.: Law enforcement authorities have not released the crash victim’s name pending notification of next of kin.