Body found ID’d as Cheshire High School English teacher

Connecticut StateTrooper Josue Dorelus and Lt. Fred Jortner from Cheshire Police answer reporters question Thursday about a dead body found near Mixville Road. The dead person was later identified as Cheshire High School Engilish Department Head Megumi Yamamoto. less Connecticut StateTrooper Josue Dorelus and Lt. Fred Jortner from Cheshire Police answer reporters question Thursday about a dead body found near Mixville Road. The dead person was later identified as Cheshire ... more Photo: Luther Turmelle/Heart Media Connecticut Photo: Luther Turmelle/Heart Media Connecticut Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Body found ID’d as Cheshire High School English teacher 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

CHESHIRE — The body of a woman found in the area of Mixville Road by Marion Avenue Wednesday evening was that of a beloved Cheshire High School English teacher, state police said Thursday afternoon.

Megumi Yamamoto, 48, a former Cheshire Teacher of the Year and head of the high school’s English Department, was reported missing Wednesday around 5:17 p.m.. Her body was found near where she had been reported missing, police said.

State and local police said Yamamoto’s body was found Wednesday night near a stream about a half-mile mile from her home. They declined to identify who called in the missing person report, but said it was not a family member.

Connecticut State Police Major Crimes detectives have assumed the case and will be working in conjunction with the Cheshire Police Department to investigate. Police spent Thursday afternoon interviewing neighbors and potential witnesses to find out how Yamamoto ended up where she was found, state police said Thursday.

Investigators were seen going house-to-house in the area near Yamamoto’s Mixville Road home . Her home is not far from where her body was found, in a stream near Consolidated Industries.

Investigators with tracking dogs were scouring the woods in the area around where the body was found.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, an area of Marion Avenue was closed for much of the day Thursday before investigators left the scene at around 3 p.m.. Prior to their departure, Connecticut State Police and Cheshire police insisted people living in the area had no reason to fear for their safety.

Police are not commenting on how Yamamoto died or whether there are any persons of interests .

Property records show Yamamoto owned a house on Mixville Road with her husband. Judicial records show she and her husband were in the process of getting a divorce.

Superintendent of Schools Jeffrey F. Solan said in an email to the school community Thursday only that Yamamoto had died suddenly.

Police had a heavy presence outide Cheshire High School Wednesday afternoon as classes were dismissed for the day. Most students who crossed Route 10 to get to the student parking lot in Bartlem Park didn’t respond when when asked whether they wanted to talk to reporters about the teacher.

But one student, who declined to identify himself, said, “Yes, but I’m going to cry if I do.” Then he walked away.

Jacob Simcik, a Cheshire High School senior, said Yamamoto was highly regarded by students.

“I didn’t know her, but when we were told, it was like we were one big family,” Simcik said. “It was like we were all in this together.”

Simcik said he first heard rumors that Yamamoto had died via social media Thursday morning as he was going into school. School officials confirmed the news to students as classes started. They were offered time early in the day to talk about how they were feeling.

Freshman Jason Raba said Yamamoto had helped him find a clasroom he need to get to when classes started a little more than a month ago.

“People who had her in class said she was very friendly and nice,” Raba said. “It was definitely a tough day.”

Solan said Yamamoto was a friend, parent and colleague.

“Understandably, after hearing this deeply unsettling news, Cheshire High School and our entire school community are grieving.” Solan said in his email.

“You may have known Ms. Yamamoto or her family,” Solan said in his note to students. “This news will affect everyone differently.”

The superintendent also urged students to be sensitive about any social media posts they may make.

“We know social media is a tool for communication and some turn to social media in times of grief,” he said. “Social media is public. Please be sensitive to the family and friends of Ms. Yamamoto and be reminded that rumor and speculation are hurtful and inappropriate at this time.”

However, he told students it is normal to experience a range of emotions and that there is no “right way” to grieve.

“Please know that our school counseling department is making themselves available if you want to talk about this or simply be with others who are processing Ms. Yamamoto’s passing,” he said. “Additionally, we will have grief counselors from Cheshire Social Services and therapy animals available at different points over the next several days. My thoughts go out to our school community.”

Solan encouraged parents to talk to their children about Yamamoto’s death and to continue to monitor the students. He also provided information to parents who may want to access support outside of school.

“It is incredibly painful to lose a member of our school family,” he said. “We are grateful that our community can lean on one another for support and that our extended community has made themselves available in this challenging time. I know you will join us in keeping Ms. Yamamoto’s family in your thoughts.”

A Cheshire Board of Education open forum scheduled for Thursday evening was canceled after Yamamoto’s death became known, with school officials calling it “a very difficult day for the Cheshire Public Schools community.”