Otto Warmbier (1994 - 2017)

Otto Warmbier, the American student who was imprisoned in North Korea for more than 17 months, and was returned home last week, has died at age 22.

His parents, Fred and Cindy Warmbier, released a statement announcing his death Monday, June 19, 2017.

“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.

“When Otto returned to Cincinnati late on June 13th he was unable to speak, unable to see, and unable to react to verbal commands. He looked very uncomfortable — almost anguished. Although we would never hear his voice again, within a day the countenance of his face changed — he was at peace. He was home and we believe he could sense that.

“We thank everyone around the world who has kept him and our family in their thoughts and prayers. We are at peace and at home too.”

The University of Virginia student fell into a coma and was medically evacuated from North Korea June 13. He was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

Doctors at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center said last week that Warmbier had injuries related to cardiopulmonary arrest and was in a state of unresponsive wakefulness.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, issued a statement.

“He was kind, generous and accomplished,” Portman said. “He had all the talent you could ever ask for and a bright future ahead of him. His passing today is a loss for Ohio and for all of us. Jane and I are lifting up the Warmbier family in our prayers at this difficult time, and we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of this remarkable young Ohioan.”

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