Man found ablaze in Calif. IDed as former North Korea prisoner

A man who was found on fire in San Diego has been identified as a former North Korean prisoner who was released in 2010 with the help of Jimmy Carter.

Aijalon M. Gomes died at the scene after an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer spotted the 38-year-old running and collapsing in a dirt field at around 11:30 p.m on Friday, while engulfed in flames.

San Diego Police said the preliminary investigation indicates it was likely an accidental death or suicide.

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A medical examiner will determine the cause of death and an investigation is ongoing.

Gomes’ mother Jacqueline McCarthy told the San Diego Union Tribune, “He was a beautiful person. He was selfless. He was always giving his last to everyone."

Gomes was teaching English in South Korea when he crossed a frozen river between North Korea and China in 2010.

Gomes, who was detained and sentenced to eight years of hard labor, reportedly tried to kill himself during the seven months he was held captive, North Korean media said at the time.

Former President Jimmy Carter flew to Pyongyang to see that Gomes was released, and the American returned to Boston in August 2010.

With News Wire Services.