Now we have learned that James Kim, the CNet senior editor and occasional MSNBC cable-TV guest, did not survive his Oregon wilderness ordeal - and many of the messages coming in to MSNBC.com are in the nature of condolences for the family. CNet has set up its own "In Memoriam" Web page, but in light of the interest that you all have shown in the saga of the Kim family, we thought it appropriate to provide another opportunity, right here, to express your sympathy.
Over the past couple of days, we've debated what the Kims did - or might have done - to survive, and you're certainly welcome to continue discussing the best ways to be prepared for a road emergency by adding your comments to our "Saved by a Cell Phone" item. This particular posting, in contrast, is expressly for offering condolences. Please don't submit critical comments. In this case, they will not be approved.
Update for 9:40 p.m. Dec. 6: Friends of the family have established a Web page - http://jamesandkati.com/ - which provides an address for e-mail to be forwarded to the family, as well as information about donations. Here is a statement issued to the media by the people who put together the Web site:
"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
