Ryan Dallas Cook

Ryan Dallas Cook (June 5, 1982 - October 19, 2005), better known as Dallas Cook, played trombone for Suburban Legends from its origin until his death in 2005.

Musical history
He attended Huntington Beach High School from 1996 to 2000, where he was an active member of the school marching band, of which he attributed his love of music and performing. Dallas channeled this love of music and performing into the band Suburban Legends where he was known not only for his choreographed dance routines with the other members of the band, but also his handstands, flips, balancing his trombone on the palm of his hand, and jumping on the shoulders of fellow band mate and best friend Brian Robertson. These antics, along with Dallas’ down-to-earth demeanor while talking with fans after shows, helped draw fans to Suburban Legends’ performances again and again.

Death
Dallas was killed in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident on the 55 Freeway in Costa Mesa after midnight on October 19, 2005 while returning home from band practice. Youn Bum Lee, an intoxicated Hyundai executive, had drifted his company SUV into the carpool lane and parked at a 45-degree angle without its lights on. Dallas did not see the Hyundai, and collided with it. Lee immediately fled, while Dallas fell from his Honda CB750 motorcycle, and was struck by three passing motorists. Dallas died at the scene.

Lee drove back home to Irvine, then was assisted by two fellow Hyundai colleagues, who arranged for him to meet with a criminal defense attorney, then took him to Los Angeles International Airport, where they helped him flee to his native South Korea. His wife and son later fled as well.

In April 2007, Orange County Superior Court charged Lee in absentia with four felony charges, including vehicular manslaughter by unlawful act with gross negligence while intoxicated and driving under the influence of alcohol while causing bodily injury or death. A warrant was issued for his arrest.

On May 23, Dallas' family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Hyundai, with allegations that airport surveillance footage shows Lee accompanied by two fellow Hyundai executives as he boarded his plane. Hyundai released a statement that they terminated Lee's employment shortly after the incident and did not know his current whereabouts.

Youn Bum Lee was located in South Korea and in November of 2009 he pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with a sentencing enhancement for fleeing the scene of a crime. On December 7, 2009, Lee was sentenced to nine years in prison.