I am sad to report that co-owner of Sucker Punch Sally Christian Clayton passed away, apparently in his sleep. His wife found him dead at 9 am on Friday September 9, 2011. Details of the circumstances of his sudden passing are unknown. An autopsy will be performed. He was 40 years old.
Sucker Punch Sally was originally created in 2002 in Ohio by custom builders Jeff Cochran and Donnie Loos. It was the first limited edition manufacturer in the industry to specialize in old school stripped-down Bobbers and Choppers sold at reasonable prices. They were very successful, even more when the economy went down the drain making Sucker Punch Sally’s’ bike models even more desirable because of their affordability. Later, Geri and Christian Clayton joined the company with the big ambition of building hundreds of bikes every year at their Arizona manufacturing facility.
After a 3-year transition, both Jeff and Donnie, somewhat tired of the production business, decided to definitively severe their relation with Sucker Punch Sally and Christian Clayton and his father Geri became solely in charge of the business.
Although Sucker Punch Sally, like many in the industry, went through difficult times, Geri and Christian Clayton tried to capitalize on custom bike’s popularity by launching a short lived Diner in Tempe, Arizona, then a successful line of Energy Drinks laced with vodka and a Moonshine distributed by Albertson’s stores.
During these last 2 years, like many well known builders, Christian was less present on the motorcycle scene. During the last conversation I had with him he told me how he was upset at the US economic situation but remained confident that Sucker Punch Sally could and would make it through the tough times. His father continued to manage the business, pursuing new dealers, Christian becoming more and more the face of SPS. Sucker Punch Sally is a well known brand in the industry, and from the information I got today, Christian’s father Geri intends to continue the business. My condolences to Christian’s wife, family and all his friends.
So, so sorry to hear this. Christian was one of the good guys, incredibly talented and generous. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
My heartfelt condolences go out to christian’s his family. He will be missed.
My condolences. It’s a difficult thing to lose a loved one. Words don’t come easy for me at times like these….
Sad news indeed. Our thoughts are with the family.
I am very sorry to hear about a life lost way too early. I hope his family will find peace and hope in their memories of him
We will miss Christian, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We are here if they need anything.
This really sucks. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.
Sorry to hear about this tremendous loss, condolences to his family and close friends.
Even though i only met him one time he was a great guy.He will be missed.My prayers go out to his family. R.I.P Christian
I will miss ya brother! I will make sure your dream goes on as you would want. You had a big heart and that will never be forgotten. RIP
My condolences. R I P
This is just terrible news for the motorcycle world, this was a man that formed a brand with the consumers in mind. Christian you will be very much missed, heartfelt sympathy to your family and loved ones. RIP
Too young. Just devastating. My thoughts go to his family and friends. He definitely believed in what he was doing.
My condolences go out to the friends and family .
respectfully,
Willie
Peace to the family in the midst of their loss.
I am sadden by the news of Christian’s untimely passing, my sincere condolences go out to the Clayton family.
With respect,
Jim
My condolences also to his family. I met him a couple of times. Truly one of the good guys in the motorcycle industry. RIP.
RIP Bro! Cool guy, good family, he’ll be greatly missed. Condolences to wife and kids.
RIP Christian
I am very sorry to hear about Kevin may he rest in peace. we will keep him in our prayers.
I am sadden by the news of Christian’s passing, my condolences go out to his family and friends.
Rogue
Condolences and prayers to and for the family.
RIP
RIP . my condolences !
This is a great loss to the chopper comunity my condolence to his family he will be greatly missed I had the pleasure of knowing him briefly such a well regarded gentelman
Very sorry to hear about this news. RIP Christian. God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
MotorcycleMarc
This is truly sad news. 40 years old is way to young. God Speed Christian!
Our Condolences and blessings to all his loved ones!
Had the pleasure of meeting with him at several rallies…always pleasant and so talented with great visions for the industry.
Boss Hawg
Our deepest condolences from the JD Compound. RIP, Chrisitian.
Just so sad, that’s all!
Our deepest condolences to all of his loved ones. RIP Christian.
Over & Out,
Jeff
Condolences to his family and friends. RIP
My condolences to the family! Way too young to be passing away. Love and respect…..Larry R
My condolences to the family,what a sad day…RIP
RIP my dear friend. Until we meet again.
EM AND I WANT TO EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES TO CRISTIANS FAMILY, HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. GREAT TIMES WHEELIN IN COLORADO BRO, NEXT TIME WE ARE ON TOP OF BLACK BEAR WE WILL HAVE A TOAST IN YOUR MEMORY. RIP BRO. ROGER
I’m sadened by Christian passing
My condolences to his famally
RIP Christian…so sorry to hear of this and my thoughts to his wife, family and friends
Passion. That’s what set Christian apart. He had a remarkable passion and energy for life that was as rare as it was contagious.
I’ll never be able to cast a fly, play my guitar, or go hunting without thinking of Christian and how lucky I am to have known him.
I just don’t have the words….
I will miss him.
Godspeed my brother.
My thoughts and deepest sympathy to his family. I’m here for you.
Mark
Christian – you will be missed!! Condolences and prayers to and for the family.
It seems that good people always die young.
I will never forget the good times, thanks for everything you did for me and Willie over the years brother..RIP Christian
Prayers and my condolences ,Brother you will be missed !
Condolences and prayers to and for the family.
“I’m sorry. We had such great times. I will miss you more then you could imagine.”
Condolences go out to the friends and family .
Tragic. Sad. Yet, strangely parallel’s the rise and fall of the custom bike market.
RIP Christian. The whole industry will miss you.
RIP ,
My thoughts and prayers to the Clayton family. Christian, you will be missed.
Ron
Love for his family, courteous, can do attitude were all synonymous with Christian.
He touched a lot of people with his outgoing personality and love of life.
I am shocked by this loss and send my deepest condolences to his family.
Ride in the Wind
Christian will truly be missed, I met him a couple years ago and became sudden friends. He was a great guy, friend and businessman. I am sadend by the loss, and am here if SPS family needs anything.
Sincerely,
Chad Anderson
Saddened to hear the news. Another voice of the custom motorcycle world we will all miss. His family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
my condolences to the family.
All my condolences to C.C.’s famlily. Christian was not only a good friend of mine, he was also a great example for me on how to be a dad to 4 children that I also have in my family. Christian I will miss you brother…!
Thats sad man, he was only 40 years old. R.I.P.
Our prayers go out to his family,find refuge in GOD. Know when you believe,we will all see each other again in heaven.
rest in peace brother
Please accept my deepest condolences, I like to think of life and Gods plan for us as a journey…life on this earth is only part of the trip! In fact, if you think of “eternity” and how long it really is, we are on this earth for a very short amount of time. If we live our life as God would have us live, I believe that we will be able to reunite in Heaven as a Family for eternity. As I keep this in mind it helps guild me in the right direction as well as comfort me to know that the separation we have from our loved ones that pass before us is really only temporary.. God Bless you Christian, I will miss you and Thanks for everything, You will be in my thoughts and prayers… Love you Man
Condolences to the Family, Ride in peace Christian, You will be missed by All…..
Sad news…shocking! Condolences to family and friends – Ride in eternity Christian!
Gina Woods & Crew
I am truly at a loss for words. My deepest condolences to Christians family, friends, and co workers. RIP, Christian. May your legacy continue…
Thank you for the opportunity, I feel lucky to have been part of your history.
Christian, I will miss all of our fly fishing conversations. You were a rockstar in everything you did. RIP my friend.
R.I.P. Brother. I will never forget bustin around with you on our “Deathtraps”. But as we said then “BOBBERS FOREVER”! See ya on the other side brother. To the family he left behind…I have never known a better man. I am so sorry for your loss.
With Respect & Honor,
Barron Seelig
Producer/Host
Motorcycle Mafia Media Productions
R.I.P. Christian. I will miss you terribly. I’m so glad that I had the honor of knowing you and meeting your family. You were a great friend and amazing person. You always knew how to make me smile.
RIP
Glad we got to share some good times. RIP Christian.
Shocked to hear this, had the opportunity to hang out with Christian in Austin Tx at the ROT rally in 2009 and became friends, what a nice guy. RIP Christian……God Speed Bro
Deepest sympathy prayer and love for the Clayton family and SPS shop Krew . I will cherish my SPS and remember Christian always.