Autopsy: Kim Died From Hypothermia, Exposure

Officials estimate that Kim traveled about 10.24 miles, but because of the route he took, ended up about 1.5 miles from the car.

35-year-old James Kim.

(ROSEBURG) - Oregon State Police, Josephine County Sheriff's Office, and Jackson County Sheriff's Office want to thank the Kim family again for their support and kind words of appreciation regarding the search efforts to find James, Kati and their children.

In addition, we would like to thank the volunteers and agencies from around the area that provided their personnel and resources in support of the search efforts.

35-year old James Kim was found Wednesday, December 6th, at approximately 12:03 PM by a helicopter crew lying on his back fully clothed in a shallow depth of Big Windy Creek about 1/2 mile from the mouth with the Rogue River.

An autopsy performed Thursday morning, December 7th, by Dr. James Olson of the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office in Central Point, indicated the cause of death to James Kim was exposure with hypothermia.

According to Dr. Olson, there was no injuries to the body that would be incapacitating and, at this time, he is unable to determine an approximate time that Kim died.

When found by searchers after walking approximately 10 miles in an effort to seek help for his family, Kim was fully clothed in a heavy dark colored jacket, gray sweater covering a t-shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes.

He was in possession of a back pack containing miscellaneous items including identification.

Statement From a Kim Family Friend:

"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."

We have also received requests for some who wish to send items to the girls or the family. Cnet has graciously offered to receive and store these packages, letters and cards.

The Kim Family c/o CNET Networks 235 2nd Street San Francisco, CA 94105