Sonny Barger, the founder of the Hells Angels, passed away at age 83 after a battle with cancer.
On June 29, the California-based motorcyclist died away peacefully with his wife Zorana and family by his side.
On his Facebook page, he posted the following: “If you are reading this message, you’ll know that I’m gone. I’ve asked that this note be posted immediately after my passing.
“I’ve lived a long and good life filled with adventure. And I’ve had the privilege to be part of an amazing club.”
“stay loyal, remain free, and always value honor,” he said
The Mercury News said that Barger is most known for founding the Oakland Hells Angels and is frequently given credit for turning the gang into a worldwide organization.
In April, the group celebrated its 65th anniversary.
In his memoirs, Barger acknowledged that Marlon Brando’s 1953 crime drama “The Wild One” served as his inspiration.
He and three other people were found not guilty in 1972 of killing a Texas drug dealer and torching a house.
In 1973, Barger was found guilty of drug and weapon possession by a convicted felon and received a sentence of 10 years to life in prison. After serving his four and a half-year term, he was granted release in November 1977, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
After being freed, Barger admitted he wasn’t sure if he’d keep running the motorcycle gang.
He was one of 33 individuals charged with breaking the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act in 1979.
The law, which was approved by President Richard Nixon, was specifically intended to fight organized crime all throughout the country.
After a split decision, Barger was declared not guilty in 1980.
Years later, the motorcyclist received a cancer diagnosis, leading to the removal of his vocal cords.
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