Driver denies DUI manslaughter in crash

A Costa Mesa man accused of killing clothing brand TapouT founder Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr. in a March car crash pleaded not guilty Thursday to a felony charge of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Jeffrey David Kirby, 51, is charged with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and faces up to 19 years in prison if convicted for what police said was his role in Lewis’ death during a Newport Beach car crash March 11. Police said Kirby was driving his Porsche next to Lewis’ Ferrari in the early morning hours of March 11 when the two cars collided as they headed south on Jamboree Road near Eastbluff Drive.

The collision sent Lewis’ car careening into a light pole, splitting the sports car in half and killing Lewis.

Police said Kirby briefly stopped at the scene and then sped off. He was arrested down the road where he had parked and was walking away from his vehicle, according to prosecutors. An alcohol test later that night showed he had a blood alcohol level of .13, prosecutors said. Kirby has two prior DUI convictions, according to court records.

Kirby is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.