Former S Korean president Roh Moo-hyun falls to death

23 May 2009

Roh Moo-hyun, 62, the beleaguered former president of South Korea, killed himself falling from a mountain near his home, today.

Roh's former chief of staff Moon Jae-in said in a statement on the national radio and television that the former president had left his house at 0545 (2045 GMT on Friday) and about an hour later, while hiking on Bonghwa Mountain, jumped to his death.

Roh fell 20-30 metres and was brought to Busan National University Hospital at 0830 local time (2330 GMT), where he was pronounced dead on arrival, reports said.

Investigators are still examining the scene.

Doctors who attended Roh said he died of massive head injuries resulting from the fall.

Roh's body was later taken from the hospital in Busan to his hometown of Gimhae, where his funeral will be held.