Will reality be sobering?
They appeared invincible, a group of carefree daredevils who acted out outrageous hijinks and got paid handsomely for them. So the news that reality caught up with Ryan Dunn, one of the "Jackass" stars, hit harder than the sledgehammers the group sometimes used for stunts.
They appeared invincible, a group of carefree daredevils who acted out outrageous hijinks and got paid handsomely for them. So the news that reality caught up with Ryan Dunn, one of the "Jackass" stars, hit harder than the sledgehammers the group sometimes used for stunts.
Dunn died Monday morning after putting a fatal mix in motion: a blood-alcohol level of 0.196 and speeds of at least 132 mph on a Chester County road with a 55 mph limit.
Dunn veered off the Rt. 322 bypass in his 2007 Porsche, careened through a guardrail, and left a path of charred destruction as the car went airborne, bursting into flames in a wooded ravine. Killed along with Dunn, 34, was Zachary Hartwell, 30, also of West Chester. The two had been drinking at Barnaby's in downtown West Chester and were likely headed to Hartwell's home, yards from the crash site.
Dunn, his best friend, Brandon "Bam" Margera, and other members of their MTV entourage were well-known and well-liked around town because they were always approachable and appreciative of fans' attention. Several years ago, Margera hosted a West Chester parade that was featured in "Viva la Bam" and included lots of giveaways as a way of expressing thanks.
Dunn's death raises questions about the group's penchant for extreme partying and risk-taking. Will Margera capitalize on the chance to warn others about drunken-driving? Will the importance of having a designated driver get worked into an upcoming skit? Or will the message of safety be too toxic for profits and get forgotten?