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CNET Editor James Kim Found Dead in Oregon Wilderness; Wife and Daughters are Safe

James Kim, 35, was found dead today in a steep ravine of the Oregon Wilderness in what appears to be an attempt to get help for his family. When it was apparent that James and his family were stranded in the snow early this past Saturday he left them to seek help. He had walked a long distance before his body was discovered in a ravine today by authorities. His autopsy results indicating cause of death should be released tomorrow.
His wife Kati and two daughters Penelope (age 4) and Sabine (7 months) were rescued from their car on Monday by 5 law enforcement agencies working together in a major joint effort. His body was discovered early this afternoon.
The Kim family was traveling home to San Francisco from Portland after Thanksgiving when they took a wrong turn and ended up stuck in the snow. After 9 days in their car with baby food running out, James ventured out into the wilderness to get help. A trail of clothes and items that James had left behind were discovered early this morning. From there authorities were able to discern footprints which ultimately led to the ravine into which SWAT teams were lowered to confirm that James' body was there.
AP Photos
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