Pro skateboarder Ali Boulala has been sentenced to jail for four years with a non-parole period of two years and has been disqualified from driving in Victoria for three years. All this was bestowed onto him for his relation to the death of skateboarder Shane Cross. Shane was a passenger on Ali’s motorcycle when the accident occurred.

Of what I remember previously, Shane’s parents originally didn’t want to press charges on Boulala, due to the their son’s friendship. But either way, it looks like the authorities have laid penalties upon Ali Boulala.

This whole incident really hits hard for us skateboarders; I mean sure, we all knew both of them were party animals, but did we really expect an accident like this to occur? I sure didn’t. Honestly, when I heard Shane Cross had passed away I thought it was a joke. It really hit hard to find that he wasn’t here on earth with us anymore. He was such a gnarly skateboarder and had so much more talent to show the world. And Ali Boulala was already a fortified legend in skateboarding. His innovation,charisma, and presence were one of a kind. I have read articles stating that he may never skateboard again due to the trauma taken to his head from the incident.

I think not being able to skateboard and knowing you had played some part in the relation to a good friends death is punishment alone. You could only imagine what burden he has to live with for the rest of his life. We all know Ali didn’t mean for any of this to happen. Both Shane and him were super good friends and unfortunately these events occurred. Now he must face time behind bars, without friends, without family, without skateboarding. Hang in there Ali, keep your spirits up. And Shane Cross rest in peace my skateboard friend. We are all shredding for you Shane!!!

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Posted by Ruben 'Studdard' Najera on Thursday, April 24th, 2008 in Skateboarding.

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