Pat, I whole-heartedly agree with everything you said. We all had the hope that James would be found alive. There was no question. The searchers were close -- we all felt it from watching it on TV and reading it in the paper and the web. It was just a metter of time and soon the family would be re-joined and this could all be put behind them as a lesson learned.
The shock we all felt as the story turned out differently was tangible. As one reader states about the nation wrapping it's collective arms of comfort around the family, I think the nation let off a collect groan at the sad news.
The emotions the undersheriff displayed says it all -- this is how we all felt. I, also, choked up as he started his statement, but could not finish.
Thank you for your statement. It is nice to share ones feelings. It helps in the healing.
slo

I'm from the New Orleans region in Louisiana. I have been keeping track of this story since it first began. When I heard that Kati Kim and the children had been found alive, I was ecstatic, until I heard that James Kim wasn't with them. I so much hoped for the best. My heart goes out to the family of James Kim. This is such a complex story...full of bravery yet sadness, love yet loss. I personally believe that when someone you truly love, who truly loves you as well, passes on, they, at that point, become your guardian angel. You cannot see them, but they are there... ALWAYS! I hope these words bring the family even just a bit of comfort for their great loss. May God Bless them and be with them at this difficult time.

What a heart wrencher. I've been watching the coverage via kgw.com. Your post is insightful and touching. Thanks.

Thank you for posting this blog, for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this tragic event, as a reporter and someone who was there when the search was being conducted. I am a mother of two small children and this story just ripped me to my core because, as you mentioned, being a north westerner, this is something that I can see happening and the things that the Kims did, I could see my husband and myself having done in that situation. In my office we all were so hopeful for this family, and we all were invested in that hope, especially after Kati and the two babies were found. When we heard the news yesterday that James had been found, we were all impacted by the loss of such a brave and honorable father and husband.

I also wanted to tell you that I appreciated your words about under Sheriff Anderson, when he confirmed the news yesterday and got choked up. I saw reports saying; See video of under sheriff breaking down, and that really irritated me. His reaction was very moving, it conveyed his emotional connection to this search and it really touched me to know how deeply he cared abut finding this father. Thank you for speaking about that. I think that we all cared to that degree, even those of us not having been involved with the search, nor having ever met this person. The fact that this was a man willing to put everything he had into protecting and saving his family, we all wanted to believe that a man like that would not perish, would not be taken down by the elements he fought to protect his wife and children against. Somewhere in our hearts we believe; the heros are supposed to make it in the end.

May the ones he fought for, Kati and the girls, be blessed, knowing that the thoughts of all of us are with them.

Well said.

Watching the press conference of when they found James Kim was probably the most depressing thing I've seen in a long time. I had so much hope and such a positive outlook, but I obviously underestimated the treacherous terrain and freezing tempuratures that the Kim family faced. Your blog shows a personal, human side to the media coverage. I think many people watch the news, but they don't realize how deeply a story like this can affect a reporter, a police officer, an entire nation. I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for posting this.

This is truly a sad story - and could have been prevented- never tempt fate - its too costly !

it is disturbing enough that I am purchasing a Personal Epirb Emergency Locator that transmits a signal to a group of Satellites when activated. I never want to be in the positon the Kims were.. The technology is out there !

But Keep in mind that of the 3 online mapping programs - Google maps would have taken the Kims over the exact same road so be careful !

What a sad ending to a situation like this !

Pat,

It's hard thinking back on when this story was first released. That the Kim family was missing and no one had heard from them in days. At first I thought the worst.. that someone had abducted them or harmed them in some way. Then when Kati and the girls were rescued, you felt such a sigh of relief. But then as each day went by and the anguishing search went on, as difficult as it seemed, I believed that a miracle would happen. This family deserved a miracle. It's so easy to criticize and place blame. But this family did nothing wrong. I cannot imagine the terror they must have endured on that mountain road. They tried everything to keep their family alive. The determination and courage to take off on foot in that terrain and to know the amount of miles he covered trying to find help is beyond my comprehension. His family will always be proud of James. He is their hero. And to all the people involved in the search and rescue..they should be proud. They worked day and night and were relentless in their efforts. The compassion of Lt. Hastings and Sheriff Brian Anderson should be commended. May they all find some comfort in knowing that so many people were praying for all involved. Thanks for letting us comment. God Bless,
Mary M.

Yes Mary it was truly sad - and I am not placing blame but the Kim's made some big mistakes- First was heading out without gassing up their vehicle. I never go past 1/2 a tank if I can help it. 2nd - Driving into an area at night that they ahd never been in 3rd- Passing warnign signs that specifically said this was a dangerous road in winter time- driving further once they hit snow and lastly James leaving th vehicle - I am not palcing blame but perhaps other people after seeing this won't do these things -

it's called tempting fate and lot of people do it - some live thru it and learn a real lesson - others don't.

Its a sad story and My heart goes out to the family - but there are others out there that need to heed the warnings and not do things that place them in harms' way.

I am so angry at the people critizing what James Kim did for his family. I watched and prayed with such hope that Mr. Kim would be found alive to reunite with Katie and the children. And for some viewers to second guess the decision to go for help appalls me. We can all second guess our decisions in life when the results are in, but who can honestly say they wouldn't do the same in this situation. I was so thrilled when Katie and the girls were found and just had such high hopes for James. Tears come to my eyes writting this and I feel such compassion for the searchers. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kim family, extended family and friends, and the searchers. You are cherished.

Woulda Shoulda Coulda
It really saddens me hearing people criticizing the family for what they did. We can all look back now and purchase a Personal Epirb Emergency Locator (Dave) but who is going to take it wherever they go. We need to realize these people did not live here and followed as well as they could the directions of a map. My husband and I are avid outdoors people and we have gone throught this over and over, and we would have done the same thing. This family did more than anyone else I know in their situation would. James Kim wife and daughters survived. That is because of their efforts.
God Bless James, Kati, Penelope and Sabine Kim

I totally agree with Janey Smith's comments. My family has been agonizing over the Kim's and we are still very sad for the family. My sister in San Jose feels the same way. This family has touched many lives.
I am also very disappointed in some media people who are so loud and boisterous to judge and criticize the Kim's decisions. In particular I'm thinking of Lars Larson. Yes, he's right that there were mistakes made, but he doesn't have to keep hammering it in. We are all just human and no one in this world is perfect. Who knows what he would have done in the same situation. And other's are so concerned about who is going to pay for search and rescue etc.--people need to have a heart.
Thanks for taking the time to cover this story. And thank all those who put their lives on the line to rescue the family.
Best regards

Pat. My family and I live in Nampa Idaho and had been following this story from the beginning. I too prayed every night for the best outcome. I was thrilled when Kati and her girls were found and worried about James. I have never met them but I feel I know them through the stories, etc. When I heard the news I cried, I still cry when I hear someone talking about finding James body.
Your story was worded perfectly, yes it came from your mind but it had the emotions and sorrow that came from all of our hearts. Thank you for putting all of our sorrow and emotions in writing.

James Kim is a True hero! May he rest in Peace.

My kids think that I'm obsessed with this tragedy, but being a parent, I think that a person has a different take on this...you wonder what you may have done if you ever found yourself in a similar situation.

I think he did everything correctly to keep his family safe. Hearing the helicopters nearby must have been highly and absolutely frustrating after being there for so long of a time.

Staying put was already something that he did; they used their heads during the time before he set off for help. It seemed like a last-ditch effort to be seen by the helicopters.

I admire their ingenuity and his persistance and desire to get them all to safty. Bless 'em.

When you have children, you do what you can to keep them safe. You sometimes put your own safety in jeopardy so that they will live. Sometimes it's seemingly foolhardy actions that are chosen to accomplish this, and sometimes it's an act of courage and instinct. I can honestly say that I think his last act was the latter rather than the former.

It's heartbreaking to learn that had he gone in the opposite direction, he might still be alive. But the thing to remember is that he was trying to save his wife and children...that's all that should matter right now.

My comment only is that the mother and children always know what her husband and father attempted to do for his family. I am logger wife in the state of Washington, and concern is always for those who love there families as so many men do just as this man has done for his very own. In my thoughts for ever as I'm sure all.

Beth K
White Salom, Washington

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME..POEM FOR KIM AND FLEMING FAMILIES
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne,
He said "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today for life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same day
There's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Thought there were times you did some things,
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand
And share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

It just drives me crazy when people try to second guess why other people do what they do and judge their actions. Wouldn't you guess that James and Kati Kim did the best they could do under the circumstances. Clearly these people weren't experienced in being stranded in the mountains with snow all around them. How many people are? I certainly am not.

Personally, I find it amazing that the searchers could find anyone in that dense forest. Talk about looking for a needle in a haystack. Everyone tried their best, Kati, James, the searchers, everyone. Sadly, sometimes in spite of our best efforts, things just don't work out. This is certainly one of those times.

Send your love, prayers, good wishes, money, sympathy, whatever you want to the family, but don't send your judgemental thoughts. The Kim family surely doesn't need to have their actions judged by others; no doubt Kati and James judged themselves harshly enough without any negative input from well wishers.

This is a terrible, terrible tragedy for this family and people from all over the world (probably) wish it hadn't happened. Let's just send good thoughts to the family, OK?

Very well said Pat Dooris. I keep thinking about other situations where a hiker has been missing, and is never found, or they are found. It's just another story it seems. Not that those other people are any less important. But this story wasn't just another story. It seems like everyone was watching it with great anticipation and hope. The Kim family almost became apart of our own family. The hope that we had was the same hope the searchers and family had. I myself was checking the internet and television constantly. On Wednesday when there were inconclusive reports whether they located him, I found myself jumping up and down at the prospect of this man getting out of that wilderness. And then when the sheriff and other personel came forward to break the heart breaking news, I found myself weeping with a pain in my heart that I have only felt when my own loved ones have passed away. And even now, I can't get around the fact the James has passed away from this earth. I find myself still hoping, and visualizing the search teams out there. They are still looking, and James Kim is still trying to find help. Why it had to end this way is something we can't answer. If you don't already, hug your loved ones a little tighter, and remember to say I love you when you go to bed or walk out the door. Relationships that need mending, don't hesitate to resolve the issues that have seperated you, because life is to precious to hold a grudge.

Pat: It goes without saying, that the Kim situation is very sad. With the news filled with murder, disasters and the war, it is reassuring to hear people and reporters (KGW) showing a true caring and concern for a fellow man. The end of the story is so very sad. That concern. That caring for another person that we didn't know is what brings us together in harmony with God's love. May He bless us all.

Thanks for posting this blog.
What excitement and what grief I have experienced as this unfolded over the days. What I have read about hypotermia and what friends who have recovered from near death through hypothermia have experienced brings me some comfort. I believe James death journey was not one of suffering. I believe he was feeling warmth and joy and peace as his body shut down.

Pat,

I was out covering the story, too, and it messed a lot of us up.

As the national media flocked to our area, I was unimpressed with many of them, turning a tragic event into a sleazy circus. But you showed yourself to be one of the class acts in the news business. And you asked the best question in that Tuesday press conference.

Keep up the good work.