Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Jonas Bevacqua, Co-Founder of LRG Clothing Business, Found Dead in His Home

Jonas-Bevacqua-LRG-Founder.jpg

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

The 34-year-old co-founder and creative director of LRG, a clothing company based in Orange County, was found dead in his home, according to the OC Register. Jonas Bevacqua's death appears to not be suspicious, however the cause of death has yet to be determined.

Bevacqua founded Lifted Research Group (LRG), in 1999 with Robert Wright. The urban clothing company rose to prominence in the mid-2000s, with their clothing being worn by high-profile celebs. LRG was named to the #5 spot in Entrepreneur's 2008 "Hot 500" list of fast-growing companies.

A statement issued by LRG hails Bevacqua as a "visionary" and "a star who burned brightly in the sky and who is gone too soon."

Bevacqua grew up in Long beach, but moved to Laguna Beach with his parents in high school. His family is described by the Register as "a veritable melting pot," because Bevacqua is an American-born Vietnamese who was adopted into a family of six other adoptees and one biological sibling, all of various races. "One message LRG revisits from time to time holds particular personal meaning to Bevacqua. Adopt Children, Not Style."

An autopsy is scheduled for today.

Here's a 2008 interview with Bevacqua:

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today