NEW: Otto Warmbier, American Student Imprisoned in North Korea, Dies

Monday, June 19, 2017

GoLocalPDX News Team

Otto Warmbier

Otto Warmbier, the American student held captive in North Korea, has died less than a week after he returned to the U.S. in a coma, according to his family.

Multiple media outlets, including the New York Times, reported the news on Monday afternoon.

“It is our sad duty to report that our son, Otto Warmbier, has completed his journey home. Surrounded by his loving family, Otto died today at 2:20 p.m.,” said his family said in a statement.

About Warmbier

Warmbier, 22, was held captive in North Korea in the authoritarian regime for over 17 months after allegedly trying to take a propaganda poster.

North Korea officials said that he contracted botulism and was returned to the U.S. in a coma. He also had severe brain damage.

Warmbier’s doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center said last week that Warmbier was in a state of unresponsive wakefulness and was not aware of his surroundings.

Warmbier was a student at the University of Virginia.