Update: Livermore Man Found Dead at Kaiser Was Longtime Elementary School Custodian

A longtime elementary school custodian from Livermore was found dead at the Kaiser hospital parking lot in Walnut Creek Monday afternoon.

The Contra Costa County coroner's office on Tuesday morning confirmed that Michael Spence, 54, had committed suicide.

The exact cause of death is unknown. Initial reports from the scene indicated he may have jumped from the top of the hospital's four-story parking garage.

Walnut Creek police Lt. Mark Covington said officers responded to a call Monday afternoon of a body on the ground next to the parking garage on Newell Avenue near California.

Spence worked at the , where he was a supervisor for the custodial and grounds operations department.

Before that, he served as a longtime head custodian at in Livermore.

Smith Elementary Principal Denise Nathanson said Tuesday that Spence was dedicated to the campus, adding he worked to "make it perfect."

Spence is remembered for connecting with kids on campus, especially those who were shy.

“He took the underdogs under his wings and helped them out,” Nathanson said.

Michelle Holbrook, a special education teacher at Smith Elementary, remembers Spence for his kindness.

“Mike would come in the classroom and check up on me to make sure everything was OK,” she said. “He was just a very supportive person.”

Robyn Pelamati, a special education teacher aide at Smith Elementary, echoed Holbrook’s comments.

“He was a wonderful man and took care of us all at the school,” Pelamati said. “Whenever we needed anything he was there for us.”

Spence is survived by his daughter and girlfriend, Holbrook said.

The school district is providing support and counseling to his co-workers in this difficult time, Superintendent Kelly Bowers said.

"Mike Spence was a dedicated and well-respected staff member in the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District," Bowers said. "We are deeply saddened by his untimely passing. This is a tragedy for his family, friends and colleagues."

According to the Contra Costa Crisis Center, the reasons people commit suicide are complicated and the warning signs can be difficult to spot. They include: Withdrawing from friends and family or going through some extreme behavioral change or altering their personal appearance and the giving away of possessions or making statements about how they feel useless.

Crisis Resources:

• If you struggle with suicidal thoughts, there are people who want to help you. Call 24-hour suicide hotlines at 800-SUICIDE or 800-273-TALK. The local hotline is 800-833-2900 or call Discovery Counseling Center, 925-820-1988. In Alameda County, visit http://www.crisissupport.org/home or call the hotline at 800-309-2131.