"Three Cups of Tea" David Oliver Relin, journalist and co-author with Greg Mortenson, died Nov 15 in Oregon at age 49, from an apparent suicide.

The medical examiners report that the author died of blunt force trauma to the head. The author and humanitarian journalist 'suffered from depression' and was in financial difficulties due to controversial claim the "Three Cups of Tea," book was fabricated.

The "Three Cups of Tea" book sold over 4 million copies and drew wide support from public and celebrities before the alleged fabrication was reported.

The book's accuracy was questioned by 60 minutes investigative reports last year and alleged charity 'Central Asia Institute' did not exist. Co-author Greg Mortenson denied any wrongdoing, but acknowledge some events were more fiction than actual events.

Due to the controversial allegations David Relin fell into legal and financial difficulties which may have caused emotional stress. Relin is survived by his wife Dawn.