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U.S.

Speeding blamed in crash that killed 'Mask'

Associated Press
Published | Updated

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Prosecutors say skid marks show a man charged in the death of mixed martial arts promoter Charles "Mask" Lewis Jr. was going more than 100 mph before crashing into Lewis' red Ferrari.

Deputy District Attorney Jason Baez said Tuesday that 53-year-old Jeffrey David Kirby was speeding when he lost control and crashed into Lewis' high-end sports car. Lewis died in the March 2009 wreck in Newport Beach.

Prosecutors say Kirby's blood-alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit two hours after the collision.

Defense attorney Mark Fredrick says Kirby had been drinking but blames Lewis for driving at a "frightful" speed that caused the wreck.

Kirby has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated.

Lewis was a pioneer in mixed martial arts, which combines wrestling, martial arts and boxing. He and friends sold T-shirts at local gyms and events before founding the clothing line TapouT in 1997.