UPDATE: Missing California Father Found Dead In Oregon Wilderness

The news is heartbreaking not only for the family, but for the over 100 searchers who spent the last few days and nights looking for James Kim, and the thousands that have kept hope.

Searchers found the body of James Kim today.

(MERLIN, Ore.) - The Oregon State Police has confirmed that at 12:03 PM the body of 35-year-old James Kim was located in the Big Windy Creek drainage area, a 5-mile long canyon about five miles from where the car was found.

Arrangements are being made to transport the body, which was reportedly spotted by air, to an undisclosed location. The family is in seclusion and requested privacy.

Hastings told reporters that the thoughts and prayers of searchers and authorities have been with the family since day one.

Kim had been leaving searchers clues as to his location.

Oregon State Police spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings said during a morning press conference that searchers had found several items of clothing they believe were left by Kim as clues for rescuers.

Found were two gray long-sleeve shirts, a red short-sleeve shirt, a wool sock, a blue girls skirt, and an Oregon state map cut up in pieces.

The 35-year-old has been missing since Saturday morning when he set out on foot to seek help for his family.

There were 25 or 26 specialized search and rescue personnel in the area, including Eugene Mountain Rescue, Jackson County SWAT Team and a specialized Water Rescue team at the base of Big Windy Creek drainage today.

Hastings gave clarification on the stories circulating about directions given to the Kims. Kati confirmed that the Wilsonville Chamber of Commerce did NOT provide the bad directions. Kati says they missed the turn onto HWY 42, then made the decision to take Bear Camp Road. When they got lost they stopped in what they thought was a visible area.

Kim's wife, 30-year old Kati Kim, and daughters 4-year old Penelope and 7-month old Sabine were rescued Monday.

James was a senior editor for the technology media company CNET Networks Inc.

The family issued this 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." - Scott Nelson Windels, friend of James and Kati Kim and family

For those that wish to send items to the girls or the family, Cnet has graciously offered to receive and store these packages.
Send to:
The Kim Family
c/o CNET Networks
235 2nd Street
San Francisco, CA 94105 Website: www.jamesandkati.com