The body of a beloved Chicago teacher who vanished over a week ago while on her way to an acupuncture appointment has been recovered from Lake Michigan, authorities have confirmed.
A Community's Hopes Dashed
The body of 53-year-old Linda Brown was found by the Chicago Police Department's marine unit on Monday, just before noon, in the 31st Street Harbour. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office later formally identified the remains. Brown, a special education teacher with Chicago Public Schools, had been missing since January 3.
She was last seen leaving her home in the Bronzeville neighbourhood for a scheduled appointment. Her husband, Antwon Brown, said he awoke around 8:35 a.m. that day to find her gone, initially assuming she had gone to her regular Saturday session. When she failed to arrive and could not be reached, her family reported her missing.
Investigators later located her blue Honda Civic near 35th Street and Lake Park Avenue. Review of surveillance footage provided a crucial clue: it showed Brown parking her car around 3 a.m. on January 3, exiting alone, and walking towards a pedestrian bridge that leads to the lakefront. She was last captured on video crossing that bridge.
A Teacher's Struggle and Legacy
In statements to local media, Antwon Brown revealed his wife had been grappling with significant mental health challenges. "She has a little mental issues going on, and she took a leave of absence from her job to get help for that," he told CBS Chicago. He noted her anxiety and panic attacks had intensified as her planned return to Robert Healy Elementary School in Bridgeport on January 5 drew nearer.
The school community and city officials have been united in grief. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement expressing deep sadness, praising Brown's "immeasurable impact on countless young lives." The principal of Healy Elementary informed families that the school, with support from Chicago Public Schools, is providing grief counselling and mental health support to students and staff.
Former student Rene Lopez remembered Brown as a transformative figure. "She just made us believe in a sense of hope," Lopez told WLS, crediting her with creating a safe community within her classroom and playing a key role in his becoming the first in his family to graduate.
Family Seeks Solace and Clarification
In a heartfelt statement, Brown's family confirmed her death. "This is not the outcome we were hoping or praying for, but we are grateful that she has been found and can now be brought home," they said, extending profound thanks to the volunteers and community members who aided the search.
Her niece, Jen River, told FOX32 that Antwon Brown is "beside himself" and "very deep in grief." She also addressed online speculation that had swirled during the search, stating clearly that Antwon was never a suspect in the case. "I'm glad the facts have been released and we can now move on as a family," River said.
The Chicago Police Department's death investigation remains ongoing, pending the results of an autopsy. It is currently unclear how Linda Brown ended up in the water.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, support is available. In the UK, contact the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.
