CHICAGO (WLS) — The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has officially classified the drowning of a Chicago Public Schools teacher as a suicide, as reported on Tuesday.
Linda Brown, aged 53, who was a special education teacher at Robert Healy Elementary, was discovered deceased in Lake Michigan on Monday.
If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, or mental health challenges, help is available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing the three-digit code 988 for free, 24/7 access to a trained crisis counselor. Assistance is also accessible online at 988lifeline.org or through the existing toll-free number 800-273-8255 [TALK].
The Chicago Police Department reported that their marine unit retrieved Brown’s body near the 3100 block of South Lake Shore Drive on the city’s South Side just before midday.
Brown had been unaccounted for over a week, prompting her family to conduct extensive searches in hopes of finding her.
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Authorities noted that Brown was last seen in the Bronzeville neighborhood on January 3rd, specifically in the 4500 block of South King Drive, which is in close proximity to her residence.
Investigators later found her car near 35th and Lake Park Avenue.
Police said in a statement on Friday afternoon that a surveillance image had captured Brown, at an unknown time and day, in the area of the 3500-block South Lake Park Avenue, before her body was ultimately recovered on Monday.
Those who knew Brown have described her as a loving woman and wife. In a text message, her family said they are “absolutely heartbroken.”
Brown’s former student, Rene Lopez, said she had a unique way of reaching people.
“She just made us believe in a sense of hope,” Lopez said. “She just created a sense of community, a safe space within her classroom.”
Brown was Lopez’s sixth grade homeroom and science teacher at Dr. Jorge Prieto Math & Science Academy, and she also taught his brother and 10 of his cousins.
“We always carried a piece of her with us. We always reached out for advice, and she always had a safe space for us to be able to ask questions, to express ourselves,” Lopez said.
Lopez said he became the first in his family to graduate, and Brown played a strong role in that.
“I want the city of Chicago to really understand how much of an impact she played to her community,” Lopez said. “Although she’s no longer here physically, her legacy will continue to flourish through all the lives that she was able to touch.”
Former CPS teacher Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement on Monday, saying, “I am deeply saddened by the news of Linda Brown’s passing. As a special education teacher at Healy Elementary she made an immeasurable impact on countless young lives and was a vital member of the Bridgeport community. I’m praying for her family, and for her students as they grieve and remember Linda and all the joy she brought.”
Robert Healy Elementary’s principal sent a message to the school community on Monday, saying, “It is with deep sadness that I update you on a situation impacting our community. Ms. Linda Brown, one of our teachers, has passed away. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time. We know that this loss will raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students.
We are working closely with the Chicago Public Schools Crisis Management Unit to provide grief counseling and support to students and staff members. Our own school-based mental health professionals will also be available for students who need ongoing services.
Information about the funeral service will be made available as soon as we have it. If your child wishes to attend, we strongly encourage you to accompany them to the service. If the funeral is scheduled during school hours, students who wish to attend will need parental permission to be released from school.
We are deeply saddened by this loss and will do everything we can to help our school community heal.”
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