Johnny Lewis (‘Half Sack’ on Sons of Anarchy) Dead at 28

Actor Johnny Lewis, who plays Half Sack on Sons of Anarchy, is dead at 28.

In a bizarre set of circumstances, the actor was found dead in an upscale Los Feliz neighborhood where he had taken his own life by jumping from the top of the home onto the paved driveway below after killing an elderly woman. Lewis had been renting a room from the 81-year-old woman. Neighbors heard screams and came to check on her but they were met by Johnny, who had “superhuman” strength and attacked them with a 2 x 4. Once police arrived it was too late. The woman was dead, as was Johnny, the suspect.

Police believe drugs were involved, but toxicology tests are pending. Lewis was released from jail a week ago after serving six weeks for an assault. Earlier this year he pleaded no contest to felony first degree burglary and received 291 days in jail.
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Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter has since responded to Johnny Lewis’ death. He wrote on Twitter:

“not sure if folks know this yet, but johnny lewis (halfsack) died last night. the sad irony of it happening two days after opie’s death is not lost on me. it was a tragic end for an extremely talented guy, who unfortunately had lost his way. i wish i could say that i was shocked by the events last night, but i was not. i am deeply sorry that an innocent life had to be thrown into his destructive path. yes, it’s day or mourning, but it’s also a day of awareness and gratitude. sadly, some of us carry the message by dying.”

Cocaine is a hell of a drug, kids. If you don’t lose your nose, you’ll lose your mind.

(Thanks for the Gawker link, Erin.)