The Justice Ministry Saturday declared an end to an investigation into former President Roh Moo-hyun, hours after the former head of state died following a fall off a mountainside.

Roh has been suspected of taking at least $6.4 million in bribes from the Taekwang CEO during his presidency, which ended in February last year.

The prosecution was planning to indict him for bribery as early as next week. His wife was scheduled to face re-summons as early as this weekend to be questioned over her involvement.

Last month, Roh was summoned to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in Seoul and underwent a marathon questioning. He denied the bribery allegations.

Roh, 62, was pronounced dead at a hospital in the southern port city of Busan at 9:30 a.m. after he fell while hiking near his residence in Bongha Village.

Justice Minister Kim Kyung-han said in a statement that he "is aware that the investigation on former President Roh will come to a close."

"I cannot hold back the shock and sadness from Roh's unexpected death," the minister was quoted as saying.