(CNN) -- Merrill Newman -- the 85-year-old American detained by North Korean authorities earlier this fall -- has been "deported," North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported early Saturday. His son announced late Friday that he is on his way home to the United States. "We are absolutely delighted to confirm that Merrill Newman is on his way home," Jeff Newman said. A senior Obama administration official said soon after the North Korean announcement that U.S. authorities have Newman "in hand." State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf subsequently tweeted that U.S. Embassy officials met "Newman at the airport in Beijing and provided all appropriate consular assistance." Video showed him smiling as he walked past a cavalcade of reporters through the Chinese capital's airport.
@highlight
NEW: Newman's son confirms that the released American is on his way home
@highlight
Video shows Newman smiling as he walks through Beijing's airport
@highlight
The 85-year-old was detained in North Korea in October, issued a public apology
@highlight
State news reports Newman was released for "humanitarian" reasons
His statement ended: "If I go back to (the) @placeholder, I will tell the true features of the DPRK and the life the Korean people are leading."