‘Girls Gone Wild’ Turns Fatal in Sunset Strip Hit & Run

Australian distributor for softcore skin flicks charged with manslaughter of fashion designer outside the Roxy

“Girls Gone Wild” distributor Ryan Bowman was arrested by police for manslaughter Thursday in a hit-and-run death on the Sunset Strip.

The Australian businessman, whose Zeal Entertainment represented the Down Under interests of the adult entertainment company that specializes in the antics of drunken college-age women, is charged with fatally striking Lauren Ann Freeman (pictured below right) around midnight on Nov. 10.

The 21-year-old fashion designer was crossing the street at Hammond and Sunset near the Roxy when she was hit by a dark-colored Bentley.

Freeman, who had just come from seeing musician Jeffree Starr and others at the club, was thrown into the street by the car and killed. Bowman (pictured left), who was reportedly behind the wheel, allegedly fled the scene and ditched his rented vehicle at Melrose Avenue and La Cienega Boulevard, said police.

Police officers discovered the Bentley, with the lights on and a smashed windshield, early Thursday morning. Parts of the car were also found scattered on the street near the Roxy.

According to L.A. County Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore, alcohol “most likely played a role in this tragic event.”

Bowman turned himself into the police on Thursday afternoon. A charge of vehicular manslaughter carries a penalty of up to six years in prison. That penalty could rise considerably if it turns out Bowman has past drinking and driving charges on his record.

Bail has been set at $100,000 with Bowman expected to appear in court in Beverly Hills on Nov. 15

Attempts by TheWrap to reach Mantra Films, producers of the Girls Gone Wild franchise, and Zeal Entertainment were not immediately returned.

The Roxy dimmed its marquee lights on Thursday in tribute to Lauren Ann Freeman. “Our thoughts and prayers,” said the LA club on its Facebook page, “are with the family and friends of the young woman.”

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