When the Guardian contacted the alleged conman about the allegations he refused to share his medical records, telling the publication, “I don’t owe any of these haters anything and refuse to bow to the bullshit.”
Ruch had fundraised to travel to Australia and New Zealand before his death, catching the attention of Farrier, who has extensively covered several other supposed conmen over the years.
One person told Farrier the native Texan would not leave them alone until they loaned him money, threatening to drive to their home and remain there.
“The total that I gave is so humiliating, I hate myself for believing him and thinking that a human being needed help. I hate myself for taking away from myself as well as my kids, to provide for him, thinking he really was sick.”
The local journalist addressed Ruch’s death in a second Webworm piece, stating that he is “still processing it”.
“I thought this was important, given he was coming to New Zealand next. I thought it was important that people knew his history, given he was asking for money. I still think that,” he wrote.
“That doesn’t change the fact that this is objectively horrible news. It’s horrible when anyone dies. Doug obviously had a troubled history. While estranged, he had a family.”
The “Dying to Serve” tour involved Ruch attempting to do an act of volunteering in all 50 US states, a mission he raised US$230,000 ($385,750) for through crowdfunding app GoFundMe.
“Unfortunately, due to the broken United States healthcare system, Doug has spent his life savings just trying to survive these last few years,” the website reads.
“He realises it’s a big ask as we all have our own burdens to bear but Doug truly believes that he can and will do a lot of good with the time he has left.”
Ruch’s GoFundMe has now issued refunds to donors who have raised complaints about Ruch, and the “Dying to Serve” fundraiser has since been deleted.