Charity dribbler gets hit by truck

[Joao Moutinho]

A Seattle man trying to dribble a football 10,000 miles to Brazil in time for the 2014 World Cup died on Tuesday after being hit by a pickup truck on the Oregon Coast.

Police in Lincoln City, Oregon, said 42-year-old Richard Swanson was hit at about 10am. walking south along US Highway 101 near the city limits. He was declared dead at a local hospital. The driver has not been charged.

Lt. Jerry Palmer said investigators found materials among Swanson's things listing his website, breakawaybrazil.com.
Swanson set out on the trek to promote the One World Futbol Project, based in Berkeley, California, which donates durable footballs to people in developing countries. The company did not immediately respond to a call for comment.

Police said Palmer's football was recovered.

In an interview with The Daily News in Longview, Washington, Swanson said he was a private investigator looking for an adventure while between jobs. An avid runner, he picked up football just five years ago and played on club teams and supported the Seattle Sounders.

"I felt destined that I should go on this trip," he said.
His website said he left Seattle on May 1, and the trip would take him through 11 countries before reaching Sao Paolo, Brazil, where the World Cup will be played.
"It will be a trip of a lifetime where I will push myself further than I ever thought possible," he wrote.
The website includes a map showing his route.

Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/207344.html#tl5XVXGI9IT0FiIa.99

RIP mate, quite sad that.

Find it strange that they mentioned his recovered football.

 

[Deloodid]

Just heard this on the radio, enjoy your life, you never know when ur times up.

 

[teppic]

Was the comedy element of finding the football really necessary?

RIP

 

[Jacko93]

The football was called the "Indestructible Football" of some sorts, as it is used in all sorts of conditions across the world, maybe thats why they mentioned the recovery of it, as it was kind of then entire reason that he was doing it, I highly doubt it was for comedy value.

 

[SingBlue]

The guy had a blog, and a facebook page, where he was updating as he went on his trip. His last update was less than 24 hours ago, then various condolence messages, and messages from his kids. Very sad.

 

[icburns]

Gutted for the lid. He started his run just a few miles from where I live.

 

[teppic]

The football was called the "Indestructible Football" of some sorts, as it is used in all sorts of conditions across the world, maybe thats why they mentioned the recovery of it, as it was kind of then entire reason that he was doing it, I highly doubt it was for comedy value.

Hmmm, a man has just died. I can't see the possible relevance of whether or not the ball he was kicking was found.

 

[icburns]

Hmmm, a man has just died. I can't see the possible relevance of whether or not the ball he was kicking was found.

It's a symbol that his cause lives on beyond his death, I suppose.

 

[Bacon On]

Terrible bit of luck that, RIP and best wishes to his fambo and friends.