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

OFF THE WIRE
by Cyril Huze

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.