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Fossett Had 'Subconscious Death Wish'

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 5, 2008 4:33 PM CDT

(Newser) – Steve Fossett took his last, fatal flight into the Sierra Nevada mountains last year because he unconsciously wanted to die, a friend of his said yesterday. Will Hasley, who helped Fossett write a memoir 2 years ago, believes the aviation pioneer was guilt-ridden over marital and financial problems before the crash. "He believed it was time for him to go," Hasley told the Daily Mail.

"‘I am not saying Steve deliberately set out that day to commit suicide," Hasley said. "I believe he went up in the plane to contemplate his life. He was deeply conflicted. His wife Peggy wanted him to spend more time at home and to stop risking his life and he was torn between his love for her and his love for adventure."

This image shows a color photocopy provided Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008 by the Madera County Sheriff's Dept. of three pieces of identification found Monday, Sept. 29, 2008.
This image shows a color photocopy provided Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008 by the Madera County Sheriff's Dept. of three pieces of identification found Monday, Sept. 29, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
In this Feb. 28, 2005, file photo, pilot Steve Fossett talks to a member of the ground crew in Salina, Kan.
In this Feb. 28, 2005, file photo, pilot Steve Fossett talks to a member of the ground crew in Salina, Kan.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Steve Fossett celebrates breaking the world record for sailing non-stop around the world after mooring the 125-foot catamaran Cheyenne April 5, 2004 in Plymouth, England.
Steve Fossett celebrates breaking the world record for sailing non-stop around the world after mooring the 125-foot catamaran Cheyenne April 5, 2004 in Plymouth, England.   (Getty Images)
Aviation pioneer Steve Fossett talks with the news media on May 23, 2006 in Chantilly, Virginia.
Aviation pioneer Steve Fossett talks with the news media on May 23, 2006 in Chantilly, Virginia.   (Getty Images)
Tycoon adventurer Steve Fossett speaks to the media on July 4, 2002 in Sydney, Australia.
Tycoon adventurer Steve Fossett speaks to the media on July 4, 2002 in Sydney, Australia.   (Getty Images)
Wreckage from a plane belonging to Steve Fossett is seen on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008  in a handout photo released by the Mono County Sheriff's Search & Rescue.
Wreckage from a plane belonging to Steve Fossett is seen on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008 in a handout photo released by the Mono County Sheriff's Search & Rescue.   (AP Photo)
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