Memorial Day Beach Death to be Investigated

With Alamedans still trying to make sense of the highly publicized death of 52-year-old Raymond Zack in the water off Crown Beach last week, the Alameda city council will tomorrow hear a report about what transpired that day.

City officials are also saying that there will be a complete investigation into what happened—both on Memorial Day as well as the policies and procedures that were put in place prior.

"Please let us do a review," said Alameda Fire Department spokesman Daren Olson  last week. “We’re going to review what happened, what resources were contacted, and our procedures and policies in order to make better decisions and make better use of our resources next time,” he said.

While an internal review is already underway, many have said an external one is appropriate.

“There definitely needs to be an outside investigation," said Alameda city councilmember Beverly Johnson. "This is not the kind of incident where either departments should be investigating itself.”

"Then make whatever information that can be made available to the public available," she said. "The public deserves to understand this."

Echoing the , Johnson characterized the reactions she's been hearing.

"People are just so shocked and outraged," she said. "Disappointed is not a strong enough word—people are are embarrassed and ashamed about what happened."