President Barack Obama Saturday mourned the death of former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun.

"I was saddened by the news of the death of former President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea," Obama said in a statement. "During his tenure, President Roh contributed to the strong and vital relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea."

"On behalf of government of the United States, I offer my condolences to his family and to the Korean people," he added.

Roh Moo-hyun died of external head injury after falling down a mountain near his home earlier on Saturday.

He and his family have been involved in a corruption investigation.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2009)