Former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has died while hiking in mountains near his home. His death has shocked the country. Local media are speculating that this could be a suicide, as Roh Moo-hyun was involved in a corruption scandal.

People carry a coffin containing the dead body of former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun as a man (front) bows to Roh at a hospital in Yangsan, about 430 km (267 miles) southeast of Seoul May 23, 2009. Former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun died of external head injury after falling down a mountain at around local time 09:30 (0030 GMT) Saturday. [Xinhua]

The 62-year-old Roh fell to his death just 200 meters from his home. A body guard was with him.

His former aide says Roh appeared to act deliberately.

Moon Jae-In, Roh Moo-Hyun's Lawyer & Former Aide, said, "Former President Roh left his house at 5:45 a.m.. While hiking on the mountain, he appears to have jumped off a rock at around 6:40 a.m."

Roh was taken to a hospital in the nearby port city of Busan where he soon died from head injuries.

Paek Seung-Wan, Chief Busan Nat'l University Hospital, said, "Doctors in this hospital attempted CPR but suspended it at 8:30 am as he failed to recover."

Local media reports are calling it suicide.

Roh's former aide also confirmed Roh left a note for his family.

In the note Roh said life was "difficult" and apologized for making "too many people suffer".

His death has shocked South Koreans, including the current President Lee Myung-bak.

Roh's note to his family:

I have made too many people suffer.

Due to poor health, I can't read books, nor can I write.

Don't be too sad. Don't blame anybody.

Please cremate me. Please leave a small tombstone near home.