Richard Swanson was dribbling a ball to Brazil when he died. Swanson, 42, was planning to dribble a soccer ball to Brazil for the World Cup, slated for Summer 2014 in Brazil.

Richard Swanson was a big soccer (football) fan, and he was having a bit of a midlife crisis. Swanson had no kids at home, mortgage, or work to worry about. He did have a lot of time on his hands to worry about what matters and what doesn't. So he decided to kick a soccer ball to Brazil in preparation for the World Cup.

"I should just walk to the World Cup. ... Just take off out the door and start hoofing it and head south," Swanson said in a YouTube video.

And then, "Since I'm going to the World Cup, I should honor it by dribbling a soccer ball."

Richard Swanson started dribbling south on May 1.

Swanson planned to dribble over 6,700 miles using a special soccer ball, from his home in Seattle to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The durable soccer ball was designed to give children in poor countries something that wouldn't break, so they could play with it for a long time. People interested in his journey could donate to the program, One World Futbol Project.

Richard Swanson's journey started on May 1 and ended tragically in Lincoln City, Oregon, roughly 250 miles South of Seattle. A pickup truck struck and killed him.

Fans are hoping the ball makes it to the World Cup, even if Swanson can't.

"First kick at 2014 WC should be with his blue ball," fan Peda Knezevic posted in a a comment for Swanson's YouTube video.

Another fan, Megan Cruz, wrote on the page for Breakaway Brazil "Someone should see to it that his ball makes it to the World Cup," Megan Cruz wrote on the page for Breakaway Brazil. "Maybe the first 'play' could be done with his ball, then returned to the family."

Authorities say that the ball was recovered from the accident scene. They're investigating the accident, and say that the driver of the pickup that hit and killed Swanson is cooperating.

Posts in a multitude of languages on the Breakaway Brazil account and YouTube pages mourned Swanson. The One World Futbol project also noted the passing with sadness.

And one post was from Swanson's eldest son, Devin.  "You are an inspiration to all to continue doing what you love! One day ... I will continue your journey in your name!" the post read.