Medical Examiner's Ruling
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office announced on Tuesday that the death of Linda Brown, a 53-year-old Chicago Public Schools (CPS) teacher, has been ruled a suicide by drowning. Brown was a special education teacher at Robert Healy Elementary.
Discovery of Body
Brown's body was recovered from Lake Michigan on Monday, just before noon, by the Chicago Police Department's marine unit. The recovery took place in the 3100-block of South Lake Shore Drive on the city's South Side.
Missing Person Investigation
Linda Brown had been missing for over a week prior to the discovery of her body. She was last seen on Saturday, January 3, in the 4500-block of South King Drive in the Bronzeville neighborhood. Investigators later located her car near 35th and Lake Park Avenue. A surveillance image captured Brown in the vicinity of the 3500-block South Lake Park Avenue before her body was found.
Community Response
Family members expressed heartbreak over the loss. Former students described Brown as a supportive teacher who created a safe learning environment and significantly impacted their lives.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement acknowledging Brown's impact as a special education teacher and a vital member of the Bridgeport community. Robert Healy Elementary's principal informed the school community of Brown's death, stating that the school is collaborating with the Chicago Public Schools Crisis Management Unit to provide grief counseling and support for students and staff.