The Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus says a New Albany priest who was suspended over questionable contact with a minor has committed suicide.
An emailed statement from the diocese says Father James Csaszar took his own life in Chicago on Wednesday. No other details about his death were given.
Csaszar had been on leave from position at the Church of the Resurrection in New Albany since November 7, when diocese officials say they learned about what they called “excessive and questionable” text and telephone contact with a minor.
The statement says the diocese was also looking into the potential misuse of church funds when Csaszar served at the St. Rose Parish in New Lexington.
The diocese says following their own investigation, all information was turned over to New Lexington and state authorities, and an investigation was ongoing at the time of Csaszar’s death.
“We are reminded throughout sacred scripture that God our Father is loving, merciful, compassionate and forgiving," the statement read. "We also know that in his years of priestly ministry Fr. Csaszar did many good things for the people that he served in his parish assignments. And so we ask that everyone pray for Father Csaszar, his family, friends, and parishioners during this most difficult time."
