A Worthington man was found dead Monday at the Honda Research and Development facility near Raymond.
Lance Emberling, investigator with the Union County Coroner’s Office, said Michael Narazaki, 53, of Worthington was found dead inside the Honda Auto Development Center, also known as Honda R&D, 21001 Route 739.
Narazaki had worked at the facility for more than 20 years. Emberling said Narazaki had hours that were different than many in the facility because he was working with a team in Japan.
Narazaki clocked into the facility at 12:38 a.m. Monday. He is seen on video tape at that time.
Emberling said that at some point in the early morning hours, Narazaki hanged himself inside the facility.
The area where Narazaki chose to end his life was not covered by video surveillance.
Emberling said a coworker entered the facility and saw Narazaki’s body. The coworker called 911 at 7:43 a.m. Narazaki was pronounced dead at 7:59 a.m.
“There was a note, but we are still working through some things,” Emberling said, acknowledging the note at the scene “really wasn’t explanatory as to why.”
Emberling said he “did not see any foul play involved with the incident.”
The body was transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office.
“We are waiting for an autopsy,” Emberling said.
Union County Sheriff Jamie Patton said the incident “remains under investigation.”
Honda spokesman Chris Abbruzzese said the company “is cooperating with local authorities to work through this difficult situation.”
“Our deepest sympathies are with the family, team members and friends of the associate,” Abbruzzese said.
Narazaki’s death is the sixth suicide in Union County this year. Emberling said there were seven suicides in Union County during 2020.
Officials from the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Union County encourage anyone concerned for themselves or a loved one to call the crisis hotline at 1-800-731-5577 or text 4HELP to 85511.
Maryhaven, 15 S. Plum Street, also offers walk-in crisis services during business hours or can be reached at (937) 644-9192.
Those seeking help may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.
Youth with an immediate need are asked to contact Nationwide Children’s Hospital Crisis Hotline at (614) 772-1800.
The Mental Health and Recovery Board also offers a series of resources as well as a free, online mental health assessment.
Suicide experts say friends and family members can also contact resources to help others.
Officials said some warning signs — including talking about or looking for ways to kill themselves; talking about feeling hopeless, trapped or a burden to others; increased alcohol or drug use; a change in sleep or social activity or extreme mood swings — may be helpful to determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss or change.