LRG hip hop clothing designer Jonas Bevacqua found dead [Updated]
Jonas Bevacqua was a college dropout and a DJ who had moved back into his parents' home when he met up with Robert Wright and created a street clothing company that resonated in Southern California and the nation. According to the Associated Press, Bevacqua and Wright "sketched out some of their earliest fashion ideas in his bedroom." The two went on to found Lifted Resesarch Group (LRG), a popular street clothing brand, in 1999, and the line enjoyed a rapid rise "as a major fashion force."
[Updated, 6:18 p.m.: A previous version of this post incorrectly identified Wright as a DJ instead of Bevacqua.]
On Tuesday, Bevacqua, 34, was found dead in his Laguna Beach home, according to authories in Orange County.
According to the AP: "Deeply influenced by Southern California's skateboard, surfing and hip hop culture, [Bevacqua] said he and Wright began making clothes that reflected their interests but that no one else seemed to be providing."
By 2006, LRG had annual sales of $150 million.
The Twittersphere was buzzing about Bevacqua on Tuesday:
"I just learned about the passing of a revolutionary mind," one fan tweeted. "RIP to Jonas Bevacqua the Co-Founder of LRG, You brought much swag to this world, rest in peace," said another.
--Jenn Harris
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Photo: From left, Jonas Bevacqua and Robert Wright, wearing designs from their label LRG. Credit: Michael Kelley / For The Times.
Dope kills - what a waste - why are so big many rich and famous people use drugs and overdose? Why are they miserable????
Posted by: Marlena | May 31, 2011 at 06:27 PM
How did he die?
Posted by: Insurrextion | May 31, 2011 at 06:47 PM
The cause of death has not been determined, Marlena, so why are you pulling these things out of your bum?
RIP Jonas... I have been a fan of LRG for quite some time, and the article is right- they filled a niche that nobody else was providing. Some very smart designs and ideas have come out of this company.
Posted by: Pounamu | May 31, 2011 at 08:07 PM
Were does it say he died of dope???!! He could of had a cranial aneurysm for all we know. Dont destroy the guys name with slander
Posted by: Charly | May 31, 2011 at 08:16 PM
So who is in the photo? A couple guys who could have used some new clothes?
Posted by: Ross | May 31, 2011 at 09:39 PM
I agree with Charly. Actually it is called libel when you slander someone in print.
In any case, RIP, your success in business at such as young age was admirable.
Posted by: James McCuen | May 31, 2011 at 10:13 PM
One of the biggest inspirations of my lifetime. Love this man for what he brought to the world.
Posted by: ClassicLA | May 31, 2011 at 11:01 PM
Anyone who knows him... knows exactly what he died from. R.I.P. Jonas
Posted by: friend | June 01, 2011 at 10:09 AM
I admire for what you did, may you rest in peace.
Posted by: a mother | June 01, 2011 at 11:52 AM
@Ross-that's actually JB on the left.
Posted by: Bryan Abaya | June 01, 2011 at 05:18 PM
This is really sad news, I absolutely love LRG, it’s my favorite clothing line ever, there’s something really special about LRG, I don’t know what it is but I love it, Rest in Peace Jonas, you made a huge impact in this era, thank you for sharing your creativity.
Posted by: Home Inspector Training | June 01, 2011 at 11:51 PM
This truly breaks my heart. He was just beginning to live.
Posted by: TheFashionistachic | June 02, 2011 at 08:00 PM
So Young,Just died in his sleep.Here to day gone tomorrow.
May he rest in peace and his family,loved ones every1 near and dear to him be blessed with Strength
Posted by: Mia Foster | June 03, 2011 at 12:06 AM