Accused Albany Teacher Dies – Suicide Suspected

A popular Albany Middle School teacher and coach, James Izumizaki, who was arrested last week for investigation of alleged lewd conduct with a child under 14, has died, authorities said this afternoon, Monday.

The Alameda County sheriff's department is investigating the death as a possible suicide, according to the Albany Unified School District.

The district notified families of the death by a recorded message in phone calls and a notice on the district website. The message citied Albany police as a source.

The KRON 4 website reported he was found in a car in San Lorenzo, citing what a family member told the sheriff's department. 

"Alameda County Sheriff's officials tell KRON 4 that a family member of Izumizaki notified their department this morning that he could be found in a car on Via Alamitos near Grant in San Lorenzo," the station reported. "There are reports that a note was left by Izumizaki but the content of the note remains undisclosed at this time and is part of the ongoing investigation."

A short news release from Albany police said they were notified by the sheriff's department that Izumizaki had been found dead with the sheriff's jurisdiction. The police department said it was not releasing further information at this time "due to the sensitive nature of the investigation which preceded Mr. Izumizaki's death."

The school community was shocked after police arrested Izumizaki at his Albany home early Wednesday morning. He had been a sixth grade teacher and coach at the school since 2008. He's listed on the school website as athletic director of the school.

Izumizaki had deep roots in Albany and went through Albany schools. He had family ties to Sycamore Congregational Church in El Cerrito.

Students were not informed of the death today. They will be told tomorrow, Oct. 2, when mental health personnel are available, the district said.

District Superintendent Marla will hold a press conference at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow at the district office.

More background on the story can be found at Albany Patch.