"100 Things" Author Dies In Freak Accident

Travel Guru Dave Freemen Dies After Hitting His Head In A Fall At His Home; He Was 47

(AP)  Dave Freeman, co-author of "100 Things to Do Before You Die," a travel guide and ode to odd adventures that inspired readers and imitators, died after hitting his head in a fall at his home. He was 47.

Freeman died Aug. 17 after the fall at his Venice home, his father, Roy Freeman, told the Los Angeles Times on Monday.

An advertising agency executive, Freeman co-wrote the 1999 book subtitled "Travel Events You Just Can't Miss" with Neil Teplica. It was based on the Web site whatsgoingon.com, which the pair ran together from 1996 to 2001.

"This life is a short journey," the book says. "How can you make sure you fill it with the most fun and that you visit all the coolest places on earth before you pack those bags for the very last time?"

Freeman's relatives said he visited about half the places on his list before he died, and either he or Teplica had been to nearly all of them.

"He didn't have enough days, but he lived them like he should have," Teplica said.

The book's recommendations ranged from the obvious - attending the Academy Awards and running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain - to the more obscure - taking a voodoo pilgrimage in Haiti and "land diving" on the Island of Vanuatu, which Freeman once called "the original bungee jumping."

It included goofy graphics with each entry, indicating that some activities were "down and dirty," and others "grandma friendly."

The success of "100 Things" inspired dozens of like-minded books, with titles such as "100 Things Project Managers Should Do Before They Die" and "100 Things Cowboys Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die."

Freeman graduated from the University of Southern California in 1983, briefly working for an ad agency in Newport Beach before moving to New York to work for Grey Advertising.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Freeman watched the second plane hit the World Trade Center from his apartment just blocks away. He moved back to Southern California to be closer to his family.

[dgal878]

I wish we were all willing and able to live life the way that he did.

[foxmulder33]

Sadly, he reminds us how much truth there was in his words. I hope he achieved many of the things he aspired to accomplish. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

[johnpatrick9]

He left for the biggest trip of all..eternity. Godspeed.

[zorar-2009]

#100 Watch your Step"

[eggy1620]

You do not need %u201Can adventurous spirit%u201D or a %u201Czest for life%u201D to live the way he did. You do need to be independently wealthy.

[msay3]

darkmeat4 is a rather disturbed individual....

[haoli25]

Thing #101 To Do Before You Die, ''Wear A Helmet In The House''.

[libsluv2spit]

one on my ''bucket list''..see the forbidden city and sit on the emperor''s throne..

[robstrck]

I wonder if he did get to visit the 100 places on his list. How does someone even afford to do something like that!? Must be nice.

Posted by wawhite74

It would help if you read the article. It states he visited about half. Must be nice? Jealous? How about must have been nice. Emphasis on must.

[sistatee-2009]

Wonder if he ever made it to Detroit. Guess not or he would have died sooner.

[dakotaclark]

Hmmm...

Despite the best of planning or intentions, the end happens when it is supposed to happen, for many sooner than others, often in the least expected way; and, frequently by total surprise...

[shanev137]

It''s too bad some of idiots who post on these posting boards 24/7/365 can''t fall down, hit their heads and die.

[haoli25]

one on my ''''bucket list''''..see the forbidden city and sit on the emperor''''s throne.. Posted by libsluv2spit



The Forbidden City in Beijing is incredible and a must see, but you sit on the throne, they kick you @ss...HARD and OFTEN!!!! The Chinese Marines there are harder than woodpecker lips.

[rushlimpdrug]

It''''s too bad some of idiots who post on these posting boards 24/7/365 can''''t fall down, hit their heads and die.
Posted by shanev137 at 07:36 PM


So he was working on his next book,
"100 Things Not To Do Around The House"

Oh hell, I''ve fallen!
I need help pleeze call 991!
my address is . . . . .

[ebunbury-2009]

The one thing to do before you die is to become a saint.

[blackyowe]

I did my biggy so I can die happy, get to Scotland. It took me until I was 48 but I did it up good and it was better than I ever dreamed it could be.