3 in missing family found alive in Oregon; search continues for father

12/4/2006

GRANTS PASS, Ore. Three members of a San Francisco family missing for more than a week were found alive today in a remote area of 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. It wasn t immediately clear how the family disappeared, or if they were stranded.

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. Troopers checked hotels and resorts along the south coast. 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.

Read more in later editions of The Blade and toledoblade.com