James Kim's Body Found

Devoted Husband and Father Dies Trying to Save His Family

By Katie J, published Dec 07, 2006
Published Content: 73  Total Views: 149,299  Favorited By: 5 CPs
Rating: 4.0 of 5
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.

James Kim's Body Found

James Kim 1971-2006

Credit: cnet.com

Copyright: cnet.com

Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
 
 
What a sad story, but very well written. Thanks for the read.

Posted on 12/18/2006 at 7:12:00 PM

 
Yes, this was terrible! I was hoping they would find him alive. My prayers go out to the family....

Posted on 12/09/2006 at 7:12:00 PM

 
this is so sad, i was hoping so much that he was alive and well. my heart goes out to his family.

Posted on 12/08/2006 at 12:12:00 PM

 
My heart sank when the news he was dead came across my television last night. I felt for his wife and children. One of those children will never remember her father, since she was only 7 months old. The fact that he made it 8 miles was amazing. The rescuers stated he acted with "superhuman" strength - such devotion for his family. I hope the best for those he left behind, and am deeply moved at what an awesome tribute CNET.com has on their page for him. He will be missed by many, and touched so many lives in his career, family, and friend.

Posted on 12/07/2006 at 11:12:00 AM

 
This has been such a sad story. We were all hoping that this would have a happy ending. I'm so sorry for his wife and children.

Posted on 12/07/2006 at 11:12:00 AM

 
The death of James Kim was so sad that I cried and I didn't even know him. But the techie community really rallied together and wanted so much for him to survive. God bless and shore up his wife and daughters and parents and friend and loved ones during this time. Good article about such a tragic circumstance.

Posted on 12/07/2006 at 11:12:00 AM

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