Hells Angels founder Sonny Barger has died at the age of 83 after being diagnosed with cancer.
The motorbike club leader, who hailed from California, passed away on June 29 surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife Zorana.
News of Barger’s death was confirmed on his social media page, where a statement revealed that he had died following a brief battle with cancer.
In the message, pre-written by Barger, the motorcycle icon reflected on living a “good life” and went on to praise Hells Angels as being an “amazing club.”
“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,” the statement read.
“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.
He added: “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. SonnyHAMCO.”
Barger became a prominent figure in the motorbiking community after he founded the original Hells Angels chapter in Oakland, California in the late fifties. He is often credited with building the group of leather-clad, Harley Davidson riders into an international organization.
The Hells Angels founder also had several run-ins with the law earlier in his life.
In 1972, Barger was acquitted after he was accused of murdering a drug dealer and burning down a building. He later served time in prison on narcotics and weapons charges.
In the 1980s, Barger revealed that he was fighting throat cancer. He survived the diagnosis but had to have his vocal cords removed. Following his cancer battle, Barger became an anti-smoking campaigner and shared the message: “Want to be a rebel? Don’t smoke as the rest of the world.”
Tributes have already poured in from fans around the world who reflected upon his influence on motorbike counterculture.
