Who was Hells Angels founder Otto Friedl? A&E's 'Secrets of the Hells Angels' explores the life of World War veteran
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA: Otto Friedli, a World War II veteran, is often credited with founding the notorious motorcycle club Hells Angels Motorcycle Club after parting ways with the Pissed Off Bastards motorcycle club due to a dispute with a rival gang. The Hells Angels were established on March 17, 1948, in Fontana, California, through the merger of several small motorcycle clubs.
In the upcoming A&E series 'Secrets of the Hells Angels' viewers can delve into the inner workings of one of the most notorious motorcycle clubs in history. Through exclusive interviews with former chapter presidents, law enforcement officers, undercover agents, and other insiders, the series promises to uncover the darkest secrets and untold stories behind the Hells Angels.
From tales of violence and criminal activity to internal conflicts and personal revelations, 'Secrets of the Hells Angels' will provide an unprecedented glimpse into the clandestine world of this infamous organization.
How many children did the founder of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Otto Friedli have?
Otto Friedli, born on June 28, 1931, in Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, spent his formative years in Los Angeles before relocating to Santa Barbara during his teenage years.
After serving in the Army as a mechanic, Friedli was discharged due to his criminal record. Around 1980, he married Carol, who had a daughter named Laura from a previous relationship. Friedli also had two children, Otto Jr and Lisa, from a previous marriage. Tragically, he also experienced the loss of a child, David, who drowned at the age of 6.
Otto Friedli died on March 17, 2008, in Santa Barbara, California, at the age of 76. His memorial included a poignant quote he had chosen himself, which read: "Bye bye suckers, see you in Heaven."
Friedli was laid to rest at Goleta Cemetery in Santa Barbara County, marking the final chapter in the life of a man whose journey had taken him from the tumultuous world of motorcycle clubs to a more serene path later in life.
Founder of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Otto Friedli was charged with 'possession of a firearm' in the 1960's
In the 1950s, Friedli faced charges related to a robbery at the Miramar Hotel.
Later, in the late 1960s, he was convicted of possessing a firearm during a raid on a Rancho Cucamonga ranch utilized by the Hells Angels. Due to his previous conviction for the Miramar Hotel robbery, Friedli received a three-year prison sentence.
During his incarceration, Friedli experienced a significant transformation after devoting several hours a day to reading the Bible. This newfound commitment to religion profoundly altered his life trajectory from that point forward.
Following his release from prison, Friedli made a conscious decision to distance himself from the Hells Angels, feeling that their lifestyle no longer aligned with his values. Instead, he opted to join the Santa Barbara chapter of the Black Sheep Motorcycle Ministry, a Harley Davidson riders club dedicated to spreading the teachings of Christianity.
Friedli secured employment as a mechanic at a Harley Davidson dealership in Whittier, California, where he worked for several years. Eventually, he transitioned into the field of swimming pool construction, a career he pursued until his retirement around 2003.
Who are the other founders who have also been credited for starting Hells Angels?
According to an alternative theory, the Hells Angels were established on November 15, 1951, in San Bernardino by Dick White, a member of the Redlands Road Runners.
Arvid Olsen, an associate of the founders who served in the "Hell's Angels" squadron of the Flying Tigers during World War II, is credited with suggesting the club's name, according to its website.
However, in a letter sent to The Guinness Book of World Records on behalf of the Hells Angels, it was claimed that the name was derived from the "Hells Angels" squadron of the 303rd Bombardment Group, which operated in the European theater of World War II.
Regardless of its origin, the name 'Hells Angels' was inspired by the tradition of giving American squadrons bold and daring titles during World Wars I and II.
'Secrets of the Hells Angels' is set to premiere on A&E on Sunday, April 14 at 10 pm ET/PT.