Death Of Sucker Punch Sally’s Co-Owner Christian Clayton.

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.

72 Responses to “Death Of Sucker Punch Sally’s Co-Owner Christian Clayton.”


  1. 1 Pepper Massey Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    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.

  2. 2 Scooter Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:11 pm

    My heartfelt condolences go out to christian’s his family. He will be missed.

  3. 3 injunwiz Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:12 pm

    My condolences. It’s a difficult thing to lose a loved one. Words don’t come easy for me at times like these….

  4. 4 Paul Aiken Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    Sad news indeed. Our thoughts are with the family.

  5. 5 The Supreme Team Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    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

  6. 6 Don Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    We will miss Christian, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We are here if they need anything.

  7. 7 Fab Kevin Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    This really sucks. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.

  8. 8 Marc Mazerolle Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    Sorry to hear about this tremendous loss, condolences to his family and close friends.

  9. 9 Jack Deagazio Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    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

  10. 10 SPS-Steve Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:53 pm

    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

  11. 11 ray c wheeler Sep 10th, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    My condolences. R I P

  12. 12 Olive Oil Sep 10th, 2011 at 7:26 pm

    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

  13. 13 Jason Hallman Sep 10th, 2011 at 7:35 pm

    Too young. Just devastating. My thoughts go to his family and friends. He definitely believed in what he was doing.

  14. 14 Tropical Willie Sep 10th, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    My condolences go out to the friends and family .
    respectfully,
    Willie

  15. 15 burnout Sep 10th, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    Peace to the family in the midst of their loss.

  16. 16 Jim Brickley Sep 10th, 2011 at 10:12 pm

    I am sadden by the news of Christian’s untimely passing, my sincere condolences go out to the Clayton family.
    With respect,
    Jim

  17. 17 Curt! Sep 10th, 2011 at 10:17 pm

    My condolences also to his family. I met him a couple of times. Truly one of the good guys in the motorcycle industry. RIP.

  18. 18 Don B Sep 10th, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    RIP Bro! Cool guy, good family, he’ll be greatly missed. Condolences to wife and kids.

  19. 19 Dale Sep 10th, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    RIP Christian

  20. 20 Thunderstruck Custom Bikes Sep 11th, 2011 at 12:16 am

    I am very sorry to hear about Kevin may he rest in peace. we will keep him in our prayers.

  21. 21 ROGUE Sep 11th, 2011 at 4:25 am

    I am sadden by the news of Christian’s passing, my condolences go out to his family and friends.
    Rogue

  22. 22 Cochise Sep 11th, 2011 at 7:37 am

    Condolences and prayers to and for the family.

  23. 23 Kevin "TEACH" Baas Sep 11th, 2011 at 8:28 am

    RIP

  24. 24 dub Sep 11th, 2011 at 8:41 am

    RIP . my condolences !

  25. 25 FAME (Fama Defresno) Sep 11th, 2011 at 8:52 am

    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

  26. 26 MotorcycleMarc Sep 11th, 2011 at 9:04 am

    Very sorry to hear about this news. RIP Christian. God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

    MotorcycleMarc

  27. 27 Eric Maurer (evobuilder) Sep 11th, 2011 at 9:23 am

    This is truly sad news. 40 years old is way to young. God Speed Christian!

  28. 28 Boss Hawg Sep 11th, 2011 at 10:06 am

    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

  29. 29 Justified Defiance Sep 11th, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Our deepest condolences from the JD Compound. RIP, Chrisitian.

  30. 30 Will2002 Sep 11th, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Just so sad, that’s all!

  31. 31 Jeff Nicklus Sep 11th, 2011 at 10:49 am

    Our deepest condolences to all of his loved ones. RIP Christian.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  32. 32 Duane Ballard Sep 11th, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    Condolences to his family and friends. RIP

  33. 33 Larry R Sep 11th, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    My condolences to the family! Way too young to be passing away. Love and respect…..Larry R

  34. 34 martin Twofeather Sep 11th, 2011 at 5:46 pm

    My condolences to the family,what a sad day…RIP

  35. 35 Lynette Hale Nestor Sep 11th, 2011 at 6:03 pm

    RIP my dear friend. Until we meet again.

  36. 36 ROGER & EMILY BOURGET Sep 11th, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    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

  37. 37 George Vidovic Sep 11th, 2011 at 8:11 pm

    I’m sadened by Christian passing
    My condolences to his famally

  38. 38 Rebecca Sep 11th, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    RIP Christian…so sorry to hear of this and my thoughts to his wife, family and friends

  39. 39 Mark Callahan Sep 11th, 2011 at 9:13 pm

    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

  40. 40 Valerie Thompson Sep 11th, 2011 at 9:47 pm

    Christian – you will be missed!! Condolences and prayers to and for the family.

  41. 41 BlackSmith Sep 11th, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    It seems that good people always die young.

  42. 42 Roadside Marty Sep 11th, 2011 at 11:52 pm

    I will never forget the good times, thanks for everything you did for me and Willie over the years brother..RIP Christian

  43. 43 J. Gio Santa Mamba Sep 12th, 2011 at 6:29 am

    Prayers and my condolences ,Brother you will be missed !

  44. 44 alan Sep 12th, 2011 at 7:40 am

    Condolences and prayers to and for the family.

  45. 45 Elliot Sep 12th, 2011 at 7:51 am

    “I’m sorry. We had such great times. I will miss you more then you could imagine.”

  46. 46 TRexSG Sep 12th, 2011 at 8:00 am

    Condolences go out to the friends and family .

  47. 47 Otis Sep 12th, 2011 at 8:09 am

    Tragic. Sad. Yet, strangely parallel’s the rise and fall of the custom bike market.

  48. 48 SATAjet Tony Sep 12th, 2011 at 8:15 am

    RIP Christian. The whole industry will miss you.

  49. 49 chopmonster66 Sep 12th, 2011 at 10:14 am

    RIP ,

  50. 50 Ron Loroenzo Sep 12th, 2011 at 11:23 am

    My thoughts and prayers to the Clayton family. Christian, you will be missed.

    Ron

  51. 51 Earl Zeig Sep 12th, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    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.

  52. 52 mike corbin Sep 12th, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    Ride in the Wind

  53. 53 Chad Anderson Sep 12th, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    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

  54. 54 Darin Maltsberger-Instructor@MTI Sep 12th, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    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.

  55. 55 jack1340 Sep 12th, 2011 at 2:41 pm

    my condolences to the family.

  56. 56 Sergio A Villa. Sep 12th, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    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…!

  57. 57 Kustoms and Choppers Sep 12th, 2011 at 3:57 pm

    Thats sad man, he was only 40 years old. R.I.P.

  58. 58 Tricky Air & Billet Inc. Sep 12th, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    Our prayers go out to his family,find refuge in GOD. Know when you believe,we will all see each other again in heaven.

  59. 59 chicagojohn Sep 12th, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    rest in peace brother

  60. 60 Danny Semerjibashian Sep 12th, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    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

  61. 61 Blackmax Sep 12th, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    Condolences to the Family, Ride in peace Christian, You will be missed by All…..

  62. 62 Gina Woods Sep 13th, 2011 at 10:41 am

    Sad news…shocking! Condolences to family and friends – Ride in eternity Christian!
    Gina Woods & Crew

  63. 63 Dan Sep 13th, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    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.

  64. 64 Cin Sep 14th, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Christian, I will miss all of our fly fishing conversations. You were a rockstar in everything you did. RIP my friend.

  65. 65 Barron "Gearhead" Seelig Sep 14th, 2011 at 11:55 pm

    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

  66. 66 Spring Knue Sep 15th, 2011 at 1:16 pm

    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.

  67. 67 Geno Sep 16th, 2011 at 11:21 am

    RIP

  68. 68 Chad Ragland Sep 16th, 2011 at 11:45 am

    Glad we got to share some good times. RIP Christian.

  69. 69 BN Sep 23rd, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    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

  70. 70 Moko Oct 9th, 2011 at 2:37 pm

    Deepest sympathy prayer and love for the Clayton family and SPS shop Krew . I will cherish my SPS and remember Christian always.

  1. 1 Death Of Sucker Punch Sally’s Co-Owner Christian Clayton. | ProRidersMarketing Pingback on Sep 10th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
  2. 2 Sucker Punch Sallys Back In Business. JP Barbeau New Vice President And General Manager. at Cyril Huze Post – Custom Motorcycle News Pingback on Jan 7th, 2012 at 9:11 am
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