A coroner’s office in Ohio is investigating the death of Otto Warmbier who died less than a week after his return to the U. S. after nearly a year and a half in North Korean detention.
A coroner’s office in Ohio is investigating the death of a 22-year-old college student who died less than a week after his return to the U. S. following nearly a year and a half in North Korean detention, a spokesman said Tuesday.
The spokesman for Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammaraco said the office „accepted the case“ of Otto Warmbier, who died Monday in a Cincinnati hospital. Justin Weber told the Associated Press a press conference is expected later to provide more information.
Wambier’s parents did not cite a specific cause of death, but cited „awful, torturous mistreatment“ by North Korea. Doctors had described Warmbier’s condition as a state of „unresponsive wakefulness“ and said he suffered a „severe neurological injury“ of unknown cause.
He arrived in Ohio on June 13 after being held for more than 17 months.
The University of Virginia student was accused of trying to steal a propaganda banner while visiting with a tour group and was convicted of subversion. He was put before North Korean officials and journalists for a televised „confession.“
„I have made the worst mistake of my life!“ he exclaimed, choking up as he begged to be allowed to reunite with his parents and two younger siblings.
He was sentenced in March 2016 to 15 years in prison with hard labor. His family said it was told he had been in a coma since soon after his sentencing.
Doctors said he suffered extensive loss of brain tissue and „profound weakness and contraction“ of his muscles, arms and legs. His eyes opened and blinked but without any sign that he understood verbal commands or his surroundings.
