Hells Angeles chieftain Ralph “Sonny” Barger and his wife Sharon are shown after being released from a $100,000 bond in San Francisco on August 1, 1980. Barger died at age 83 after a “short battle” with cancer, a statement on its official Facebook page on Thursday, June 30, 2022, said.
Sonny Barger, founder of Hells Angels, has died aged 83.
The iconic motorcyclist’s death, reportedly caused by a “short battle” with cancer, was announced in a statement on his official Facebook page Thursday morning.
“If you’re reading this message, you know I’m gone. I requested that this note be hung immediately after my death.”
Ralph “Sonny” Barger was born in Modesto, California, on October 8, 1938, according to an interview on its official website.
In 1957, Barger founded the Oakland, California, Angels branch and became a legendary face of the organization.
The Hells Angels, including Barger, have faced numerous federal criminal enterprise and racketeering investigations over the years.
Ralph “Sonny” Barger, chairman of the Oakland branch of the Hell’s Angels, reads a statement at a press conference in Oakland, California, Nov. 19, 1965. Barger announced that they will not show up for the Vietnam Day Committee march at the Oakland Army Terminal, Saturday. The members of the Oakland Hell’s Angels chapter from left are Cliff Workman, treasurer; barge; Tiny Walter, Sergeant at Guns; Ron Jacobson, secretary; and Tom Thomas, Vice President, seated far right.
Ralph “Sonny” Barger, left, the founder and chairman of the Hells Angels branch in Oakland, California, is led to a waiting van by a U.S. marshal after being charged with an explosive charge at the Federal Building in San Francisco, November. 10, 1987. Hells Angels in five states were arrested on drug and gun charges.
Barger was surrounded by loved ones when he died, including his wife, Zorana, according to the statement.
In addition to riding motorcycles, Barger also enjoyed riding and caring for horses, he said in an interview.
“I’ve had a long and good life full of adventure. And I’ve had the privilege of being part of a great club.” “Keep your head high, stay loyal, stay free and always appreciate honor.”
Sonny Barger, founder of the Oakland, California charter of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, attends a party August 23, 2003 in Quincy, Illinois. The party was hosted by the Midwest Percenters motorcycle club in Quincy.
Sonny Barger, founder of the Oakland, California charter of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, autographs Kenny Little’s prosthetic leg at an event at a Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership on August 23, 2003 in Quincy, Illinois. Little lost his leg when his motorcycle was hit by a drunk driver in 1986.
Members of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, along with wives and friends, order dinner at a restaurant on August 23, 2003 in Quincy, Illinois. The motorcycle club was in Quincy for an autograph session and party in honor of Sonny Barger (2nd-R/back to camera), founder of the Oakland, California charter of the Hells Angels.
Sonny Barger, founder of the Oakland, California charter of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, signs a copy of Post magazine at an event at a Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership on August 23, 2003 in Quincy, Illinois.
