Its with deep sadness that I report James Kim’s body was found earlier today. Airborne rescuers spotted him lying face down in a heavily wooded area. Searchers were lowered from the helicopter to assist him but discovered they were too late.

Kim had left clothing and bits of an Oregon map that appeared were arranged by Kim to help guide searchers

“He is a sharp individual and has a strong will to live,” Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters said. “He has done a heck of a job out there.”

Kim’s clothing, which was wet, included two gray sweat shirts, a red T-shirt, a sock and a blue girl’s skirt, Hastings said. Family members said Kim had taken the items when he left.

Scott Nelson Windels, friend of James and Kati Kim and family released the following statement, “The friends and community of the Kim family are deeply saddened by the news received today about James Kim. We want to send out our utmost thanks to the Search and Rescue teams who risked their lives in the efforts to bring James back to us, they are true heroes to risk their own lives for a stranger. As friends we know that we did everything we could to help in the search for the Kim family, which is our only comfort now. We thank the Oregon authorities, the media, and everyone who sent us their thoughts and prayers for their support through this very difficult time. Please continue to keep Kati, Penelope, Sabine and the rest of their family in your thoughts.”

The personal friends of The Kim Family are starting to accept donations and will offer the funds to the Kim Family so they can make a determination as to how these funds can best be used to support the Search and Rescue effort that was taking place.

[tags]james kim, cnet, techtv, missing person[/tags]