Police Investigate Death Of Hells Angels Associate

Police detectives are investigating the death of a Spokane man who had recently been a prospective member of the Hells Angels.

Joseph Edward Dye, 36, formerly of Anchorage, Alaska, died late last week after seeking medical treatment, authorities say.

A preliminary medical report indicated Dye died from a ruptured spleen.

A second, more complete autopsy was ordered Monday after the case was referred to homicide detectives who investigate suspicious deaths.

A spokeswoman for Spokane County Coroner Dexter Amend declinedto discuss the case. Police Lt. Jerry Oien said there was nothing to suggest that criminal conduct was involved in Dye’s death, “but we just want to make sure what happened in this case.”

Investigators say they were told by Dye and a female companion that the injuries occurred when Dye and a 300-pound man, whom Dye didn’t identify, were involved in horse-play boxing and wrestling.

Rick Fabel, president of the Spokane chapter of the Hells Angels, said Dye had complained of back pain since he was involved in a car-motorcycle accident a month ago in downtown Spokane.

Fabel said Dye’s 1994 Harley-Davidson sustained $3,500 damage when it was struck from behind by a car at Sprague and Washington.

Dye wore a Hells Angels prospective-member patch until a few weeks ago when he was dropped from that status for reasons Fabel didn’t want to discuss.

, DataTimes