To Warmbier's family: 'Their tears are our tears'

Blue and white ribbons, tied around trees throughout Wyoming last week as a sign of support for Otto Warmbier and his family, now flutter in remembrance.

Warmbier, a 2013 Wyoming High School graduate who was imprisoned in North Korea for a year and a half before being released and returned home in a coma last week, has died.

As Wyoming came together to support the Warmbier family, local architect Rod Sidley reflected on the importance of that community.

“Sometimes I feel so small living and working in our tiny community when the big wide world beckons,” the Wyoming resident said. “Then something like this happens and makes me realize that the real value in life lies in our own communities. Knowing the people we see and being familiar enough to actually care about one another is more valuable than worldliness.

“One way or another we all knew of or about Otto and the Warmbier family and we all felt the pain and frustration of his parents as this unfolded over the past months,” he said. “Now with this heartbreaking conclusion, it comes down to our community.

“No matter where in the world this all started, the end and what comes after is right here. Most of us don't really know what to say to Fred and Cindy other than to let them know that their tears are our tears, too.”

It came as a shock to Councilwoman Jenni McCauley, who had continued to pray for Warmbier and his family. She spoke on behalf of the city of Wyoming when she heard of Warmbier’s passing:

“The city of Wyoming, City Council, the city manager and staff have been deeply saddened by Otto Warmbier’s condition when he was returned from North Korea and his death Monday. Now that he is at peace, our hearts go out to his family once again, during this tragic time.

“This has been every parent’s nightmare.

“We salute the entire Warmbier family, who has faced this unbelievable ordeal with the utmost grace and dignity. We will continue to respect their wishes and do all we can for the family.”

Wyoming City Schools Communications Director Suzy Henke issued a statement:

"Wyoming City Schools is deeply saddened by the loss of Otto Warmbier. The countless contributions he made to his school and community through his leadership, actions, and limitless enthusiasm will be felt far into the future."

Members of Ascension and Holy Trinity Church have prayed for Warmbier and his family every Sunday since his January 2016 arrest. The Rev. Eric Miller hasn’t met Warmbier, but some members of his congregation have known the Wyoming man since he was a child.

“I can’t even begin to put myself in their shoes,” he said of Cindy and Fred Warmbier, Otto’s parents. “(Warmbier’s imprisonment) has touched people’s lives in our church setting. It touches a lot of people in our community in a variety of ways."