Albany Middle School 6th grade teacher James Izumizaki was found dead in his car today in the Via Alamitos area of San Lorenzo, an apparent suicide.
Izumizaki, 28, had been arrested last Wednesday in Albany under suspicion that he had had an inappropriate relationship with a former student.
Alameda County Sheriff's Department spokesman Sgt. James Nelson said Monday that officers received a call sometime after 10 am this morning from a member of the deceased man's family who found Izumizaki in his car.
Nelson said the death was an apparent suicide but offered no specifics about the means in deference to the feelings of the family.
Izumizaki had been scheduled to appear in court October 24.
His arrest had shocked residents of Albany where the 28-year-old was a popular teacher.
The Albany Unified School District released a statement at 3:14 p.m. Monday confirming that sheriff's were investigating the death as an apparent suicide.
"We have no other information at this time," the statement said, adding, "Students have not been informed by our staff. We will inform the students Tuesday, October 2nd when mental health personnel will be available on site.”
Albany School Superintendent Marla Stephenson will hold a PRESS CONFERENCE Tuesday, October 2nd at 8:30 a.m. at Albany Unified School District, 1051 Monroe Street, Albany.
