KAKE-TV


OAKLAND, Calif. - The radio preacher who predicted "Judgment Day" would come in May 2011 has died in northern California.

A statement released late Monday by his Family Radio network says Harold Camping "passed on to glory" at 5:30 p.m. PT Sunday. He was 92. The statement revealed Camping had a fall at his home November 30, but he was in weak health due to a stroke since 2011.

Camping gained a national following through the Family Radio network of stations he helped found in 1959. He conducted daily on-air Bible studies and hosted a nightly "Open Forum" call-in show about Bible questions. The network includes a station in Emporia.

But Camping became an international laughingstock when he warned "Judgment Day" would occur May 21, 2011 with the second coming of Jesus Christ. He went on to say the world would end October 21, 2011.

Camping admitted to reporters he was "flabbergasted" when his prediction proved false. Donations to his ministry dropped noticeably after that, and Family Radio was forced to sell several of its most powerful FM stations to stay afloat financially.

The Family Radio statement notes Camping is survived by a wife of 71 years.