Obituary: David Oliver Relin, Co-Wrote ‘Three Cups of Tea’
December 4, 2012 | Read Time: 1 minute
David Oliver Relin, who co-authored the controversial memoir Three Cups of Tea with philanthropist Greg Mortenson, has committed suicide, according to The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.
The 49-year-old journalist died November 15 in Multnomah County, Ore., of what authorities said Monday were self-inflicted blunt-force injuries. Mr. Relin’s family said he suffered from depression.
A bestseller upon its 2006 release, Three Cups of Tea told the story of Mr. Mortenson’s travels in Central Asia and his efforts to build schools in impoverished villages. Questions last year over the book’s veracity and the financial practices of Mr. Mortenson’s charity, the Central Asia Institute, fueled multiple lawsuits and investigations and led to a reorganization of the group.
