Sonny Barger, a founding member of Hells Angels, passed away at the age of 83 after a brief battle with cancer.
The California outlaw, biker, and author died surrounded by his wife, Zorana, and his “loved ones.”
Barger wrote in a Facebook post that was published after his death: “If you are reading this message, you will be aware that I have departed. I have requested that this message be posted immediately following my passing.”
In his autobiography, Ralph Hubert Barger revealed that the Hells Angels were a small San Francisco club before he joined.
The Sons of Anarchy actor went on to found the Oakland Hells Angels in California, which is now the club’s largest charter, and is widely credited with establishing it as a global organization.
“I have lived a long, prosperous, and eventful life. And I’ve had the honor of being a member of an incredible club “His Facebook status update continued.
Even though I’ve had a public persona for decades, I’ve spent most of my time with my club brothers, my family, and my closest friends.
He concluded the note by saying, “Keep your head high, be loyal, maintain your independence, and always place a premium on honor.”
From incarceration to anti-smoking activist
Authorities have accused Hells Angels of being a criminal organization, but Mr. Barger has defended the group on numerous occasions, including during one of its biggest controversies when a fan was fatally stabbed at the Altamont Free Concert in 1969.
Additionally, he has been in trouble with the law. In 1972, he and three others were exonerated for the murder and arson of a Texas drug dealer.
Later, he was imprisoned for drug possession and weapon possession by a convicted felon.
Barger was diagnosed with throat cancer in the early 1980s and had his vocal cords removed.
Following his diagnosis, he began advocating publicly against smoking with the following message: “Do you wish to rebel? Do not smoke like everyone else.”
He went on to publish six books, including his autobiography Hell’s Angel, Ridin’ High Livin’ Free, Dead In 5 Heartbeats, 6 Chambers 1 Bullet, Freedom, and his motorcycle guide Let’s Ride.
