The reason that I admired the guy, and mourn his death to a certain extent, is because he was actually living life to the fullest, taking chances, and having a absolute ball while doing something that he truly loved, and being fairly successful as well....something that we all who spend far too much time in front af a TV or Computor Monitor should strive for (I include myself in this).
Its not tempting fate that matters...or that he supposidly asked for it (????!!!???) or the fact that the universe wont suddenly fall to pieces...or that he will eventually be forgotten in time...its the fact that life is far too short a game...and far too many of us spend our life in the cheap seats, in the safety of the bleachers, instead of taking part...and making a difference.
(again...I am as guilty of this as anyone ...and it truly saddens me even more)
I was lucky enough to work on his film, and spent quite a bit of time sitting at a table with him after the days shoot was done, chatting, and found him to be intelligent, witty, warm, interesting, and a loving father, and son.