How did Sonny Barger die? Founder of the most notorious outlaw club 'Hells Angels' was kicked out of US Army
LIVERMORE, CALIFORNIA: Sonny Barger, the founder of the first chapter of the 'Hells Angels' in Oakland, California in 1957, died on June 29, 2022, after battling liver cancer.
His former lawyer, Fritz Clapp, confirmed his death to the Washington Post. Barger's contributions to the Hells Angels motorcycle club were significant,
as he played a pivotal role in its establishment and growth.
His leadership and influence extended throughout the club's history, shaping its culture and identity. Despite controversy and legal challenges, Barger remained a central figure within the Hells Angels community until his death.
Many are unaware that Sonny Barger, despite the odds, enlisted in the US Army at the age of sixteen in 1955, only to be discharged later. While many of his school friends died due to drug addiction, Barger chose a different path, working at a grocery store before joining the military.
However, his military career was short-lived, as he was given an honorable discharge fourteen months later. It was revealed that he had falsified his birth certificate to meet the age requirement for enlistment. This incident marked the end of his brief stint in the army.
Following his military service, Barger returned to civilian life and became increasingly involved in the emerging Hells Angels organization. He played a significant role in expanding the club's influence and membership, particularly in California and eventually nationwide.
What was Sonny Barger’s criminal history?
Ralph "Sonny" Barger, a founding member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, has a complex and storied criminal history. Born in 1938 in Modesto, California, Barger was immersed in motorcycle culture from a young age and went on to co-found the Oakland chapter of the Hells Angels in 1957.
Throughout his life, Barger has been associated with numerous criminal activities, spanning from drug trafficking to assault and even murder. During the 1960s and 1970s, the Hells Angels gained notoriety for their involvement in organized crime, notably within the drug trade. Barger himself has acknowledged his involvement in drug trafficking during this period, including activities such as smuggling marijuana and methamphetamine.
In addition to drug-related offenses, Barger has been implicated in various violent crimes. He has faced multiple arrests for assault and battery, often involving altercations with rival motorcycle gangs or law enforcement officers. Barger has also been linked to several high-profile murders, although he has never been convicted of homicide.
Despite his extensive criminal record, Barger has largely managed to evade significant legal consequences throughout much of his life. While he has served short prison sentences on occasion, he has notably avoided lengthy periods of incarceration.
Barger's status as a prominent figure within the Hells Angels and his ability to navigate the criminal justice system have contributed to his continued involvement in illegal activities over the years.
How much was Sonny Barger's net worth?
At the time of his death in June 2022, Sonny Barger's net worth was estimated to be $500 thousand. Much of his income stemmed from various sources, including book sales from his autobiography "Hell's Angel: The Life and Times of Sonny Barger and the Hell's Angels Motorcycle Club."
Additionally, merchandise sales, film and television appearances, club memberships, and consulting or speaking engagements also contributed to his financial success.
