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http:// --> Ashland, Oregon HOME Valley & State Sports Nation & World Opinion/Editorial Classifieds Business Columnists Local Issues Obituaries Weather Archive Revels Etcetera Backpage Hot Topics Most Viewed Forum Photo Galleries Video Readers Polls O-Zone Online Games Movie Preview Special Sections Real Estate Guide Menu Guide Shakespeare Subscribe Contact Us Rate Card Place an Ad Top Galleries: December 7, 2006 Family got stranded on logging road after vandals cut the lock on the gate Jeff Barnard The Associated Press Talk about it! 3:30 p.m. December 8, 2006 GRANTS PASS, Ore. — A San Francisco man who got stranded with his family in the snowy wilderness had taken a wrong turn in the car down a logging road that is normally blocked by a gate, but vandals had cut the lock, authorities said Friday. James Kim, 35, was found dead of exposure in a mountain creek Wednesday, two days after his wife and the couple’s two daughters were rescued from the car. The gate had been locked for the winter Nov. 1, after the end of deer hunting season, so that “people don’t mistakenly go down that road,” said Patty Burel, spokeswoman for the federal Bureau of Land Management. Searchers looking for the family found the gate open, Burel said. An investigation is under way to find out who cut the lock. The one-lane strip of pavement known as Bear Camp Road is often used in summer by Rogue River rafters and in winter by hunters, cross-country skiers and families cutting Christmas trees. The Kims were returning to their San Francisco home after a Thanksgiving trip to Seattle when they ventured onto the road and into a confusing warren of logging routes. They got stuck in the snow 15 miles past the gate and stayed with the car for a week, consuming only baby food, jelly and bottled water, and burning tires and wood to keep warm and to alert rescuers. Kati Kim and her daughters, 4-year-old Penelope and 7-month-old Sabine, were spotted Monday from a search helicopter and were rescued in good condition after nine days in the cold. Two days earlier, James Kim, an editor for a technology company, had struck out on foot to find help. He was found dead after he had walked 10 miles. He had no way of knowing that the car was just a mile down a rugged road from a fishing lodge, closed for the winter but stocked with food. ___________ Autopsy shows missing San Francisco father died of hypothermia December 7, 2006 3:30 p.m. CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — Lost in the snowy wilderness and seeking help for his stranded family, James Kim probably traveled more than 10 miles on foot before he died, believing he could find a nearby town, authorities said Thursday. An autopsy released Thursday showed that he died alone of hypothermia. His body was found in a creek’s shallow water, about a mile away from his family’s car. “James Kim did nothing wrong. He was trying to save his family,” said Lt. Gregg Hastings of the Oregon State Police said a Thursday news conference. “He thought that if he could get to the river, he could make it to the town.” Kim thought the nearby town of Galice was only 4 miles distant, although it was really 15 miles away, Hastings said. After scouring the mountains of southern Oregon for days, a search helicopter hired by his family spotted Kim’s body midday Wednesday. He was found fully clothed on his back in Big Windy Creek near the Rogue River, authorities said. Dr. James Olson, a deputy state medical examiner, conducted the autopsy Thursday morning and was unable to determine the exact time of death, Hastings said. Kim’s wife, Kati, and two daughters were rescued Monday when they were spotted by a search helicopter as they were leaving the car to find help themselves. With only baby food and a few snacks in the car, Kati Kim had nursed her two daughters to keep them alive during the ordeal. Kim, 35, was a senior editor for the technology media company CNET Networks Inc. He and his family had been missing since Nov. 25. They were heading home to San Francisco after a family vacation in the Pacific Northwest, and apparently got stuck in the snow after making a wrong turn. Hastings said Kati told officers it snowed hard several days while the family was stuck, and the family heard helicopters at least twice. “Kati and the kids are in good condition as it relates to the ordeal that they’ve been through,” he said. ____________ December 7, 2006 9:10 a.m. MERLIN, Ore. — For days, James Kim’s family wondered what happened to him after he ventured into the wilderness, seeking help for his wife and two young daughters after the family became stranded in their car on a lonely mountain road. On Thursday, they may receive some of the sad answers. Authorities planned to announce the results of an autopsy, a day after the discovery of Kim’s body a mile from the car. A search helicopter hired by the Kim family spotted the body at midday Wednesday about a mile from where Kim set out two days after his wife and two daughters were rescued from the vehicle, stuck on a remote road. Investigators believe he traveled about eight miles in total, and said there was no way he could have reached the car directly from where he was found. Kim’s body was found at the foot of the Big Windy Creek drainage, a half-mile from the Rogue River, where ground crews and helicopters had been searching for days. A tearful Josephine County Undersheriff Brian Anderson announced the discovery of the body, his voice breaking at one point. “He was very motivated,” Anderson said. “We were having trouble in there. He traveled a long distance.” He said he had few details about Kim’s condition or the immediate area where he was found. Cards and flowers are seen by Church street Apothecary as a remembrance to James Kim Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006, in San Francisco. Kim a man who struck out alone to find help for his family after their car got stuck on a snowy, remote road was found dead Wednesday, bringing an end to what authorities called an extraordinary effort to stay alive. San Francisco The Chronicle, Kurt Rogers The Associated Press Earlier in the day, searchers said they had uncovered clues that suggested Kim had shed clothing and arranged it to give searchers clues to his whereabouts. They had planned to drop rescue packages with clothing, emergency gear and provisions. Kim, 35, was a senior editor for the technology media company CNET Networks Inc. He and his family had been missing since Nov. 25. They were heading home to San Francisco after a family vacation in the Pacific Northwest. Kim’s wife, Kati, 30, and their daughters Penelope, 4, and Sabine, 7 months, were rescued Monday as they were leaving their car to find help themelves. She told officers that the couple made a wrong turn and became stuck in the snow nearly two weeks before. They used their car heater until they ran out of gas, then burned tires to stay warm and attract attention. With only a few jars of baby food and limited supplies, Kati Kim nursed both children. The key to finding them, police said, was a “ping” from one of the family’s cell phones that helped narrow down their location. Roads in the area are often not plowed in the winter and can become impassable. ——— http:jamesandkati.com _____________ Authorities say missing San Francisco man found dead in the Oregon mountains December 6, 2006 6:05 p.m. MERLIN, Ore. — A San Francisco man who got stranded in the snowy wilderness with his family nearly two weeks ago was found dead Wednesday in a mountain creek, authorities said. James Kim’s body was discovered about seven miles from his car in Oregon’s snowy Klamath Mountains, two days after his wife and two daughters were rescued from the vehicle, stuck on a remote road. Kim had set out on foot over the weekend to find help. Kim’s body was at the foot of the Big Windy Creek drainage, a half-mile from the Rogue River, where ground crews and helicopters had been searching for days. A tearful Undersheriff Brian Anderson announced the discovery of the body, his voice breaking at one point. “He was very motivated,” Anderson said. “We were having trouble in there. He traveled a long distance.” He said he had few details about Kim’s condition or the immediate area where he was found. The body was to be taken to the town of Central Point for an examination. Earlier in the day, searchers said they had uncovered clues that suggested Kim had shed clothing and arranged it to give searchers clues to his whereabouts. They had also made plans to drop rescue packages with clothing, emergency gear and provisions. Kim, 35, was a senior editor for the technology media company CNET Networks Inc. He and his family had been missing since Nov. 25. They were heading home to San Francisco after a family vacation in the Pacific Northwest. Kim’s wife, Kati, told officers that the couple made a wrong turn and became stuck in the snow. They used their car heater until they ran out of gas, then burned tires to stay warm and attract attention. With only a few jars of baby food and limited supplies, Kati Kim nursed her children. Roads in the area are often not plowed in the winter and can become impassable. On the Net: http:jamesandkati.com 1:10 pm. MERLIN, Ore. — A San Francisco man who got stranded in the snowy wilderness with his family nearly two weeks ago was found dead Wednesday in a mountain creek, authorities said. James Kim’s body was discovered in Oregon’s snowy Coast Range two days after his wife and two daughters were rescued from their car, stuck on a remote road. Kim had set out on foot over the weekend to find help for his family. This undated photo provided Oregon State Police shows Penelope, James and Sabine Kim, from left. Kim, who got stranded in the snowy wilderness with his family nearly two weeks ago, was found dead Wednesday Dec. 6, 2006 in a mountain creek, authorities said. Kim's body was discovered in Oregon's snowy Coast Range two days after his wife and two daughters were rescued from their car, stuck on a remote road. Oregon State Police | The Associated Press Ground crews and helicopters had been searching the area for Kim for days. A searcher is lowered on a line via helicopter into the Big Windy Creek area of Siskiyou National Forest near Galice, Ore., Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006, to assist with the search for James Kim. Kim, who became stranded in the southern Oregon mountains with his wife and two daughters, tried to walk out Dec. 2, 2006 and has been missing since. Kim's wife, Kati, and their two daughters, Penelope and Sabine, were rescued Monday. Oregon State Police | The Associated Press Kim, 35, was a senior editor for the technology media company CNET Networks Inc. He and his family had been missing since Nov. 25. They were heading home to San Francisco after a family vacation in the Pacific Northwest. A pair of pants Kim had been wearing was found in the wilderness on Tuesday, raising fears that he had become delirious from the cold. ___________ December 4, 2006 MERLIN, Ore. — Searchers intensified their efforts Tuesday to find a man missing for more than a week in a rugged, remote area of the snow-covered Oregon Coast Range as his wife and two young children, rescued just the day before, recovered in a hospital. Trained dogs, horse patrols and a helicopter with heat-sensitive sensors were sent to join other helicopters, snowmobiles and foot patrols Tuesday for 35-year-old James Kim, of San Francisco. Trackers had followed his footprints until dark Monday night. “They determined that he went over the side of the road into the Big Windy Creek drainage area and that’s when the two deputies from Jackson County went over the edge and they are tracking his footprints right now,” Josephine County Undersheriff Brian Anderson told KLAS-TV in Las Vegas, Nev., on Tuesday morning. Search crews faced challenges, State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings said on CBS’ “The Early Show.” “There are some cliffs they may have to go down to get down to the creek. And there’s still snow and ice, cold temperature, but they’ve been out all night and they plan to be out all day. And their hope is to find him today,” Hastings said. Kim, a senior editor for CNET Networks, had left his wife and two young children in their frozen, snowbound car and set off into the wilderness to seek help, wearing only tennis shoes, a sweater and a jacket. Overnight temperatures in the region have been in the mid 20s to mid 30s. The National Weather Service predicted patchy fog in the valleys during the night with light wind. Kati Kim, right, talks to rescue personnel Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, after she and her two daughters, Sabine, 7 months, in yellow, and Penelope, 4, were rescued in the mountains of southwest Oregon about 35 miles west of Grants Pass, Ore. Her husband, James Kim, is still missing. Jim Krois | Grants Pass Daily Courier A helicopter crew spotted his wife, Kati Kim, 30, waving an umbrella Monday afternoon. She and her daughters Penelope, 4, and Sabine, 7 months, were flown to a hospital in Grants Pass and were in good condition. “We’re relieved and we had some moments of joy,” Kati Kim’s father, Dr. Phil Fleming, said on “The Early Show.” “At this time I can only think and worry about the safety of my son-in-law, and from all I’ve heard he just is a heroic father. All my thoughts are with him and with the teams and all the people out searching for him.” The family said James Kim left the car stuck in the snow in southwestern Oregon at about 7:45 a.m. Saturday and walked back the way they had come to look for help, saying he would return by 1 p.m. if he found none. His family said he had outdoor experience, and State Police Lt. Doug Ladd said there was “a very reasonable chance” that he is still alive. The San Francisco family reported that he had eaten berries in the area, but they weren’t sure if they were poisonous. Before he left, the four huddled together as a family for warmth and ran the car at night until they ran out of gas. Officials said some of the tires were burned as signal fires in a vain attempt to attract attention. Kati Kim nursed both children while they were lost. “They did a good job. They are in remarkable shape for spending nine days out in the wilderness in this type weather conditions,” Anderson said. Searchers said the key to their discovery was a “ping” signal from the Kims’ cell phone, even though the remote region is generally out of cell phone range. The family saw friends in Portland on Nov. 25 and then headed toward home after a Thanksgiving trip to the Pacific Northwest. They were last spotted at a restaurant that same day, then never arrived at a lodge where they had reservations. Authorities combed highways and byways using snow machines and helicopters, and checked hotels and resorts along the south coast. State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings said Kati Kim told a detective the family intended to take Oregon 42, the usual route from Interstate 5 to the south Oregon coast, but they missed the turnoff, found Bear Camp Road on the map and decided to take it instead of turning back. Their car was 15 miles from Bear Camp Road when found. The complicated network of roads in the area is commonly used by whitewater rafters on the Rogue River or as shortcuts to Gold Beach in the summer, but the roads are not plowed in winter and can be impassable. As a senior editor for CNET in San Francisco, James Kim covers digital audio and co-hosts a weekly video podcast for the Crave gadgets blog on CNET. The couple owns two boutiques in San Francisco — Doe, a clothing store on lower Haight Street, and the Church Street Apothecary in Noe Valley, which sells baby goods and skin care products. Friends and co-workers in San Francisco celebrated the news of the rescue Monday. “We are extremely relieved that they have found Kati and the kids,” said Sarah Cain, spokeswoman for CNET Networks Inc. “We are cautiously optimistic and hopeful that it will bring more good news about James and his family.” Boutique employee Sarah Gion called Kati Kim “a fighter, especially where her two daughters were concerned.” “If anyone could make it through nine days in the wilderness, it would be Kati,” Gion said. “We have good faith that they’ll find James, too. We’re all ecstatic, even though we’re still waiting.” _______________ Dec. 4, 2006 | 4:30 p.m. GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Three members of a San Francisco family missing for more than a week were found alive Monday in a remote area or southern Oregon, police said. A search continued for the father. Investigators said a helicopter spotted 30-year-old Kati Kim waving an umbrella about 1:45 p.m. They also said they found daughters Penelope, 4, and Sabine, 7 months. They were airlifted to a hospital. There was no immediate word on their condition, but Oregon State Police said early reports were encouraging. Rescuers continued to look for Kati Kim’s husband, 35-year-old James Kim. He left on foot two days ago to seek help, police said. The family saw friends in Portland on Nov. 25 and then headed toward home after a Thanksgiving trip to the Pacific Northwest. They were last spotted at a restaurant that same day. They had reservations at a lodge, but never arrived. During the past several days, authorities combed highways and byways using snow machines and helicopters. They also tried to track the family by tracing their credit history and cell phone signals. The mother was found near the Rogue River in the area of Bear Camp Viewpoint. Roads through the area often are used as shortcuts to Gold Beach on the south Oregon coast, but can be impassible in the winter. Current Comments: While glad they are safe it boggles my mind that anyone with "outdoor experience" and young children can't read the sign indicating this road is unsafe for winter driving. Where was this person last winter with all the national media attention on this same area? At what point do you think perhaps you should turn around? I am tired of ignorance - bill them for Oregon's search and rescue efforts. Barb - Ashland, Or - December 4th, 6:11 PM Barb rattled out:I am tired of ignorance - bill them for Oregon's search and rescue efforts. So if we find you stranded Barb, on a snowy mountain road, should we demand payment before we rescue you? And if you have no money should we just walk away and add you to the list of ignorant people that were stupid enough to get stuck in the snow? Thank you for showing what a loving, compassionate person you are! Personally I pray they find the father alive. He deserves our thoughts & prayers. Dave Orchid - Ashland, OR - December 4th, 7:38 PM "Ignorance" aside... I pray and hope the father is found alive too! That family needs him! Thank God the Mother and little girls are alive! THAT'S WHAT'S IMPORTANT!! Jim - Ashland - December 4th, 8:14 PM I agree with Barb, although Im happy some of the family is safe and hope they find the father it seems rediculous and should be billed for the search Heather - Ashland, Or - December 4th, 11:17 PM Oh my goodness, Barb! I so hope you have had time to rethink your statement. If not, I so hope you have the opportunity to gain some true wisdom and compassion in this lifetime and don't go to your death as callous as you seem. I was so relieved to hear of the rescue today. I so hope they find Mr. Kim alive and well. Thoughts and prayers, thoughts and prayers. Dana - Newport, Oregon - December 5th, 12:32 AM Barb and others.. yes there was a bit of "ignorance" here, a bad judgement call.. but everyone makes the occasional bad judgement.. yes *everyone*! The Kims were just unlucky on this one. Now James Kim may well pay for it with his life, or at least suffer loss of limb from frostbite. Then the ordeal for them all.. isn't that enough "payment" for you? Also, the family already has paid for part of the search .. w/ a private helicopter, etc. We'll debate the details later. Jim - Portland, OR - December 5th, 9:45 AM This is a sad story, and I certainly hope the dad has somehow survived intact. How horrible! Let's all pay attention, though: If you're traveling this season, pack bottled water, blankets, flares, boots, and dry dog food. Yes, dog food. It keeps indefinitely, and will nourish you if need be. Remember, even though it feels like we're just traveling "through" Mother Nature, she's still there, and she can still bite. Alison - Ashland, OR - December 5th, 1:51 PM some reports say they found his pants. This would be a sign of hypothermia. I think the reality is is that he's dead. Sad story, indeed. Interesting note that "Google" maps shows that route as the shortest one... Mik - Talent - December 5th, 2:21 PM Barb,Back up. The man whom is still missing? His Father paid for helicopter(s) and rescue workers to find his family.Volunteers are out in the freezing cold,and I don't hear them whining! Outdoor "experience" is a relative term.Folks who grew up in these mountains know about winters here and what minimals are needed in case of a breakdown.Lets see you drive in SF, get LOST in 15 seconds & start PRAYIN" for your own personal rescue team!We can "bill" them later .Lets FIND this man now though! anna - ashland oregon - December 5th, 8:20 PM re: Mik's comment: I heard a report that James Kim took an extra pair of pants with him as he hiked out. The rescuers are hoping he meant to drop them where he did... Dana - Newport, Oregon - December 5th, 10:29 PM Perhaps Google should be charged if they do not have a warning for winter conditions. Hey, I already did three stupid things today-- it's a little harsh to criticize intelligence at this point. Also they had young kids in the car, if it was storming, I could have easily missed a sign. Empathy and compassion are certainly best. And while Alison may have a special place in her palate for dogfood, your favorite canned items and dry goods in plastic are fine along with thermals and fleece. Jonathan - Ashland - December 6th, 11:35 AM For those that criticize the Kim's, I am suprised that you haven't had enough life experience, to know that life turns on a dime. Surprised that you don't have enough empathy to understand how someone can get lost or miss an important sign. Even with all that said, if you were lost, or in an accident, or in dire need of help, or needing OHP, or (hey, Social Security) I would want my tax dollars used to help you and your family. Tired of Ignorance - Ashland, OR - December 6th, 1:27 PM I just read that Mr. Kim had died . It is silly to suggest plowing those roads , as there are so many miles of them and the cost would be prohibitive . However, they should and could easily be blocked and locked, and clearly marked. If this ever happens to someone reading this , stay with your family and vehicle and do not wander off unless you have survival skills and w/clothing to hike in . Life turns on a dime, so anyone familiar with this story - hug a loved one . Joe - Ashland , Oregon - December 6th, 1:33 PM My heart is breaking for the Kim family. I am saddened to hear that James was found deceased. As one who has experienced a great deal of grief in my lifetime, what Mrs. Kim is going to endure is a tremendous amount of pain, anquish, and overwhelming thoughts. I "reach out" to her from afar as she begins this new and challenging "journey." (sigh) Dana - Newport, Oregon - December 6th, 2:17 PM With all the $$, manpower, and experience that Oregon rescue authorities used to find the family, why was it that a private helicopter paid for by private money from Kim's family was the one who found the mother and kids? I smell a lawsuit coming. This should tell you something about how lame Gorman - Portland - December 6th, 3:16 PM Why does it always come down to litigation, what about common sense?People in cities, in California especially, are not used to actual wilderness."Why would the road be open if it weren't passable?" they may have asked.In Ca. it would be closed. Ca. manages wild areas differently, with signs and roadblocks.We simply have more wilderness, and authorities are counting on the public's common sense.I personally prefer to keep areas wild, than to plow, close or sign them. My thoughts are with them... Mike - Talent - December 6th, 3:59 PM I'm weeping for those babies growing up without their father. Lessons for us still here? Winter makes travel harder - err on the side of caution. (even if it means missing a hotel reservation) Have food, flares and fire on hand. If stranded in winter weather don't leave your vehicle! Slow down... life turns on a dime and then turns again.Very sad. Tom - Ashland Oregon - December 6th, 4:54 PM Actually Barb, most of those roads are poorly marked both on the map and on the road itself. I think the real blame should go to ODOT for not clearly marking such dangerous roads. I have traveled on a lot of those same roads and there was NO indication that they were closed or should have been exceot that I chose to turn back when they became snow covered. But then again, I am from this area and expect poorly marked roads/inadequate plowing. It is a shame that one from another place has to die- Jon - Ashland - December 6th, 5:02 PM because they didn't happen to be "in the know" about the oddities of Oregon roads, which seem to be notoriously unfriendly if you're from somewhere else. I wonder if the "you're an outsider" mentality has to do with this...it would seem so...too bad a guy died because some small minded Oregonian refused to be courteous to an "outsider" and safely mark the road. All resource limitations aside, I have never been in such an "unfriendly to outsiders" kind of state...how sad. Jon - Ashland - December 6th, 5:05 PM Hey Barb.... Ya think the bills paid in full now, no??!!??... Hope ya have a Merry Christmas!!! Geoff - Ashland - December 6th, 6:22 PM We returned from the coast one spring and wanted take the Bear Camp Rd. Road condition information was hard to find, but a local gas station attendant assured us the road was now open. We found near the summit that winter snow still blocked the road and retraced our steps. Generic "winter warning" signs aren't enough. What's needed is reliable current road condition information at the entry points of the road. Absent that, barriers should bar travel on the road until safe passage is possible. Kate Geary - Ashland, OR - December 6th, 8:19 PM I too have watched this story since it broke & as a resident of S.OR I felt so powerless this morning to do anything to help this man, I knew in my heart that death was close for him, he was at a place where he had no way out alive. I felt his sadness, his despare at having to let go of this life he so valued & his family he so loved. I feel for you my fellow brother, I feel for those that love you. May you rest in peace knowing your precious family is safe. Dave Orchid - Ashland, OR - December 6th, 8:34 PM I will pray for the Kim Family. Steve L. Iverson - Ashland, Jefferson - December 7th, 6:25 AM To any non-oregon person reading this post. PLEASE be prepared when travelling through OREGON, in any season. It is the Pacific Northwest, cold, hot and unforgiving land! 1st. First admit your lost. 2. Stay-put 3. Build a fire, keep it lit - "...Hunter safety class 1996" - I will never forget that class, 10 yrs ago, when I first moved to ORe - this is still very true. Tell friends to allow extra-days for bad weather when traveling. Now, hopefully we can save lives. moved to Ashland ( [email protected] ) - 10 yrs ago and...still cold - December 7th, 11:01 AM After following this story I wonder why it took so long to conduct an active physical search for these people. They were on a clearly marked road. It seems that this area would have been the first place to look, as so many people have logged they know about these remote roads. Are we too busy crossing our t's and doting the i's before we can get started at anything & covering our own behinds There needs to be a change in Ploicies or better yet NO POLICY. Just do it,now. Dora - Ashland,OR. - December 7th, 11:32 AM Dora-It's only natural to be saddened by a tragedy like this and look for someone to blame. Following this closely, it really looks like every effort was made to locate the Kim Family. I don't think there is much more that the authorities could have done in this case. It's just a sad story. Steve L. Iverson - Ashland, Jefferson - December 7th, 12:19 PM Why dog food? Cause trail mix will last only until you get the munchies. Then, NEXT winter, when you're axle deep because you decided to show your pals how much snow there is at Crater Lake, the trail mix, Beefaroni, and even the TicTacs will be gone. At that point you'll say, I'm so hungry I'd eat dog food. As for repaying rescue workers, sometimes (if the person has been reckless) they are billed by the state. Does anyone REALLY think that would be appropriate here? Of course not. Poor family. Alison - Ashland - December 7th, 12:52 PM When I came to Oregon 26 years ago I drove from Ashland to Klamath Falls on what was then Dead Indian Road. Being unfamiliar, I asked first and was assured it was kept safe and clear. Well yeah, up to the end of Jackson County. When I attempted to turn around I slid off the road and my little VW was neck deep in a snow ditch. My two-year-old son and I were "rescued" by a young man dropping hay for cattle. Thank God his truck had a wench. I was terrified. Hey Barb... go play in the snow. Karen - Talent, OR - December 7th, 6:50 PM Wow... what a cold heart Barb has... she must be hypothermic in her soul. I can't believe the lack of compassion. Barb must not be a native of this area... if so she would know the dangers of traveling on such roads. Kathleen - ashland - December 7th, 7:25 PM It is in really poor taste for anyone to post anything but support and prayers to this forum. The family pain will last thru a life time. To clear the people that assume too much minds the family hired a search team.They did everything they could to find their loved ones. I have heard alot of stuff about mapquest which is used by poeple not familiar with the area it could be misleading but its not the time for remarks or blame or any comment. Its a time to reach out to a family pain ann - ashland or - December 8th, 12:02 AM To Jon Ashland who said:"...real blame should go to ODOT...". I'll bet you sided with the idiot woman who ordered hot coffee at McDonald's, placed it in her crotch, then popped a wheely on her way outta McD's drive-thru, scalded her "unit", then secured a whopping $30+million from McD's for her own idiocy. It's ALWAYS someone else's fault when you are your own best idiot. Mr.Kim messed up. HE is to blame, not ODOT. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OWN MISTAKES! DON'T BLAME OTHERS. Elliott C. - Grand Canyon, AZ - December 8th, 9:24 AM For All Those Who Have Moved Here. . . Welcome. . no matter where you are from. As a super native (my family homesteaded the Applegate) I've know many many people who've died while logging or commericial fishing or just simply driving on Hwy 42 and Hwy 38. Please, remember, that YOU are now an Oregonian. What we treasure most is EMPATHY to another's situation and DEEP RESPECT that the land and sea can not be tamed. We don't look for fault. This is what creates a SENSE OF COMMUNITY. For Those Who Have Moved Here. . . - Ashland, Oregon - December 8th, 11:02 AM I'm not trying to feed the rumor mill, and I know these stories have a way of getting legs of their own, but has anyone heard that there may have been a bear encounter of some sorts? That tracks indicate a bear could have forced him into that drainage? Any S&R people in the know? Mike - Talent - December 8th, 3:40 PM It sounds like ODOT is preparing themselves for a lawsuit with this latest news of the cut locks at the gates...funny how this was not mentioned until now, when the aftermath "hits the fan." Jon - Ashland - December 8th, 4:00 PM RE the comment from Karen - Talent, OR "thank god the truck had a wench"... Karen youve been seein too much Shakespeare...i think you meant "winch"...if it was a wench, you left us hangin...tell us about her willya!? LOL, 1speed 1speed - ashland, ore - December 8th, 4:36 PM Instead of weeping, everyone should be encouraging the states visitor centers to post this story as a "this could happen to you". Sad as the outcome was, this family ignored warning signs on the road which were emphasized by the on the road they had to remove. Plus they started out on an unknown road with a low tank of gas. Tech does not conquer all. Also, the turnoff they missed was about an hour north, not like taking "102 after your miss 101." If they had crashed with kids out of restraits they would been charged, not idolized. janet - ashland, OR - December 8th, 5:51 PM I really hope our already broke state doesn't get sued by this obviously well-off family. Nature is powerful and harsh, as well as beautiful and magnificent. Truth be told the Kim's didn't respect that. They made a series of bad decisions. If it's anyone's "fault", it is that of Mr. and Mrs. Kim.That is not to say I do not empathize with them and their ordeal, but who in their right mind would keep going up an unfamiliar forest road in a Saab in the dark,after moving rocks to proceed? With kids? Mike - Ashland - December 9th, 9:45 AM Actually, no 1speed, it WAS a wench... She was riding in the truck with him and apparently she was the one who spotted us and told him to stop and help. He said, "If it hadn't been for this nagging "wench" yelling at me to turn around, I may not have seen ya'll." Thanks for your F7 though!(-: Karen - Talent, OR - December 9th, 1:53 PM Mike I can't believe there is any lawsuit that would be successful. No disrespect intended, but we have ten thousand other roads in Oregon that could cause someone to get stuck in the snow. Is it reasonable to think the government must save us from ourselves in all endeavors? I think this is a tragedy, and in a free society where people are free to move around at their own choosing, they assume some risk. It is a tragedy and sometimes they happen. Shazam - Shazamazamazamabad - December 9th, 4:14 PM I agree, as I suspect many others do, with Mike. I believe it is at the back of everyones minds as to WHY, WHY, WHy, did the Kims make this decision to continue down an obviously dangerous road and drove right into extreme discomfort for the Mom and kids, and tragedy for the Dad. It defies all logic and maybe someday Mrs. Kim will shed some light and an answer to the WHY in this tragic situation. TC - Ashland, Ore - December 9th, 6:04 PM I feel for The family and friends. People from the city must use common sense when going into the wilderness. Just as folks die each year in out Arizona outback from heat, People must respect the mountains in the Winter. My hope is that this will save others from the same fate. Mr. Kim was a brave man and gave his life to try to save his family. We all make mistakes and it is very easy to second guess from the comfort of our warm dry homes. Mike - Sedona, AZ - December 10th, 2:19 PM My heart breaks for the Kim family. I wish that somehow the father could have known that help would be coming soon. I think the greatest lesson that has been learned from all of this is to not leave your vehicle if you're stuck in a situation like this. I heard on the news a few nights ago that your chances of survival are cut by more than half if you leave your vehicle, especially during snowy/cold weather. Very tragic end to this story. Twila - Ashland, Oregon - December 10th, 8:18 PM Barb is an idiot and not to mention a very insensitive person at that. No one went out there to die. It was a simple mistake and accident. We are in a human race together...show a little compassion. Jaime - Gilbert, AZ - December 10th, 10:28 PM I guess I was exactly right about ODOT. They just admitted that they did not lock the gate. So when they announced that the gate lock had been cut 2 days after James Kim was found, what was that? It was a huge lie trying to save their asses in court. And now this admission is them trying to prevent a larger settlement when they lose the lawsuit, because they "publically admitted an error." That is the only reason they are now admitting it. Jon - Ashland - December 14th, 1:34 PM Hi people! Christmas Day falls on December 25. It is preceded by Christmas Eve on December 24, and in some countries is followed by Boxing Day on December 26. Some Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate Christmas on January 7, which corresponds to December 25 on the Julian calendar. December 25 as a birthdate for Jesus is merely traditional, and is not thought to be his actual date of birth.Good luck! felician - New York - December 26th, 12:43 AM Leave a Comment: Advertisement: Advertisement: Paid Advertising Inkjet Printers Student Loans Water Filter Helzberg Diamonds Mortgage Calculator Security Systems Advertisement: Copyright © 2006 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers. All Rights Reserved.