Charles "Mask" Lewis Fatal Crash Brings Vehicular Manslaughter Conviction for Driver Who Killed Him

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.

According to Orange County prosecutors, Jeffrey Kirby was going more than 100 mph on March 11, 2009, when he lost control and crashed into Lewis' Ferrari in Newport Beach.

Prosecutors say Kirby had a blood-alcohol level of nearly twice the legal limit two hours after the collision.

He was found guilty of one count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated.

The impact from the collision catapulted Lewis' passenger from the car onto a dirt embankment, according to the Los Angeles Times. She suffered several bone fractures, but Lewis, who was trapped inside the front of his Ferrari, was pronounced dead at the scene, reports the paper.

Kirby fled the scene and parked his 1977 white Porsche about a quarter-mile away from where the crash occurred, states the Times. He was later arrested by officers.

Kirby's attorney said his client had been drinking, but blamed Lewis for driving at a "frightful" speed that caused the accident.

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.

Kirby could face up to 13 years in prison. He is set to be sentenced Feb. 4.