On June 29, Ralph Barger, commonly known as “Sonny” Barger, who is the founder of the outlaw group Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, died at age 83. The cause was liver cancer.
As a child, Barger disliked following rules. According to The Washington Post, “He hated school and was repeatedly suspended for mouthing off and occasionally hitting his teacher. ‘I never liked being told what to do,’ he said.” Barger first started smoking marijuana when he was 14. He also dropped out of high school in his sophomore year to sneak into the army.
Barger was charged and sentenced for multiple years for selling heroin and carrying firearms.
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is a club that has been accused of criminal activity many times. One of their most infamous acts was the killing of 18-year-old Meredith Hunter at a 1969 Rolling Stones concert. According to Medium.com, “Passaro (A Hells Angel Member) pulled out a hunting knife from near his ankle, leaped at Meredith and plunged the blade into his neck … Hunter was stabbed at least 4 times and repeatedly kicked in the head.” All of this was captured in the movie “Gimme Shelter.”
Other than being an outlaw, he also spent some time writing books that were about his life and the criminal world. According to The Washington Post, “Mr. Barger published 2 novels, “Dead in 6 Heartbeats” (2003) and ‘6 Chambers, 1 Bullet’ (2006), detailing murder and mayhem in the biker world. His epithet-strewn autobiography was a New York Times bestseller, and 2 other books, ‘Freedom: Credos From the Road’ (2005) and ‘Ridin’ High, Livin’ Free’ (2002).” He wrote 6 books total. In 2013, his book “Dead in 5 Heartbeats” was even made into a movie.
A Facebook post reported his death. It says, “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. Although I’ve had a public persona for decades, I’ve mostly enjoyed special time with my club brothers, my family, and close friends. Please know that I passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. But also know that in the end, I was surrounded by what really matters: My wife, Zorana, as well as my loved ones. Keep your head up high, stay loyal, remain free, and always value honor.
Sonny
HAMCO.”
As a child, Barger disliked following rules. According to The Washington Post, “He hated school and was repeatedly suspended for mouthing off and occasionally hitting his teacher. ‘I never liked being told what to do,’ he said.” Barger first started smoking marijuana when he was 14. He also dropped out of high school in his sophomore year to sneak into the army.
Barger was charged and sentenced for multiple years for selling heroin and carrying firearms.
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is a club that has been accused of criminal activity many times. One of their most infamous acts was the killing of 18-year-old Meredith Hunter at a 1969 Rolling Stones concert. According to Medium.com, “Passaro (A Hells Angel Member) pulled out a hunting knife from near his ankle, leaped at Meredith and plunged the blade into his neck … Hunter was stabbed at least 4 times and repeatedly kicked in the head.” All of this was captured in the movie “Gimme Shelter.”
Other than being an outlaw, he also spent some time writing books that were about his life and the criminal world. According to The Washington Post, “Mr. Barger published 2 novels, “Dead in 6 Heartbeats” (2003) and ‘6 Chambers, 1 Bullet’ (2006), detailing murder and mayhem in the biker world. His epithet-strewn autobiography was a New York Times bestseller, and 2 other books, ‘Freedom: Credos From the Road’ (2005) and ‘Ridin’ High, Livin’ Free’ (2002).” He wrote 6 books total. In 2013, his book “Dead in 5 Heartbeats” was even made into a movie.
A Facebook post reported his death. It says, “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. Although I’ve had a public persona for decades, I’ve mostly enjoyed special time with my club brothers, my family, and close friends. Please know that I passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. But also know that in the end, I was surrounded by what really matters: My wife, Zorana, as well as my loved ones. Keep your head up high, stay loyal, remain free, and always value honor.
Sonny
HAMCO.”
