James Kim's Body Found

Anyone that is a frequent viewer of CNET.com is familiar with James Kim. He was an expert on digital devices, product reviewer, and senior editor of CNET.com. He reported on gadgets and audio players with a smile and humor. Before making the move to CNET.com, he worked for TechTV. Kim’s friends and colleagues referred to him as a tech geek and devoted family man.

James Kim’s body was discovered Wednesday at 12:03pm in the forest of Northern Oregon. Wearing only jeans, shirt, winter coat, and a pair of tennis shoes, Kim sought out away from his stuck automobile to get help for his wife, Kati, and two daughters. The family car had been stuck in the ice and snow for seven days, after missing a turn and winding up on a logging trail. Mr. Kim was attempting to look for a place to turn around to get back on the route he was taking, when they got stranded.

Since the rural area had no cellular towers, Kim couldn’t call for help with a cellular phone. Living on melted snow and what berries they could forage, James Kim knew that it was a matter of time before his family would parish, and he needed to take action. He set out hiking through the rugged terrain, hoping to come out into a populated area, to send help for his stranded family. He didn’t make it.

He hiked eight miles before he died. His path was littered with pieces of an Oregon state map and clothing, in effort to leave a trail. It was unclear as of Wednesday if Kim died of hypothermia or a fall from a cliff. An autopsy was done Wednesday night to shed some light on the cause of death.

Experts said that the clothing being strewn as it was is a clear indication of the later stages of hypothermia, close to death. When the human body is close to death by hypothermia, the person gets delusional, and begins shedding clothing. Mr. Kim was an avid camper and outdoorsman, which is why he was able to survive five days in the elements before his death.

Mr. Kim will be missed by all of his colleagues, family and friends. CNET.com has put together a memorial on their website, including footage of Mr. Kim’s work. There is even a section for readers to leave messages for the Kim family.