Body of missing Chicago teacher found in Lake Michigan

Body of Missing Chicago Teacher Found in Lake Michigan

After more than a week of searching, the body of a missing Chicago teacher has been found. Authorities confirmed that 53-year-old Linda Brown was recovered from Lake Michigan on Monday.

Brown, a special education teacher with Chicago Public Schools, had been missing since January 3. She left her Bronzeville home for an acupuncture appointment but never arrived.

Chicago police reported that their marine unit found a woman’s body just before noon on Monday at the 31st Street Harbor. This followed several days of searching the lakefront.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the woman as Brown. Police stated that a death investigation is ongoing, pending autopsy results.

Details of Disappearance

Brown taught at Robert Healy Elementary School in Bridgeport. She was last seen on January 3 in the 4500 block of South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, near her home. Investigators later found her blue Honda Civic near 35th Street and Lake Park Avenue.

Family members reviewed surveillance video showing Brown parking her car around 3 a.m. that day. She was seen getting out alone and walking toward a pedestrian bridge leading to the lakefront. She was last seen crossing the bridge.

Brown’s husband, Antwon Brown, said her disappearance was unusual. “Everything was fine,” he said. “Next morning I woke up, it was like 8:35 a.m., and she was gone. No sign of her. I thought she went to acupuncture because she goes to acupuncture on Saturdays.”

When Brown did not show up for her appointment and could not be reached, family members reported her missing. She disappeared just before returning to teaching on January 5 after a leave of absence.

“She has a little mental issues going on, and she took a leave of absence from her job to get help for that,” Antwon told CBS Chicago. “As school was getting closer, it was kind of getting worse, like the anxiety, the panic attacks.”

Family’s Response

Brown’s family confirmed her death in a statement. “It is with heavy hearts that we share an update regarding our beloved Linda Brown. Today, Linda’s body was found in the 31st Street Harbor along the Chicago lakefront. 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 to our family.”

They expressed gratitude to those who supported them during this time. “The outpouring of support meant more to us than words can express.”

Brown’s niece, Jen River, shared that Antwon Brown is struggling with the loss. “He is beside himself, he is very, very upset. This wasn’t the outcome any of us hoped for,” River said. “He just lost the love of his life.”

River also addressed online speculation about Antwon. “Antwon has always been innocent. He’s never been a suspect in this case,” she said. “I’m glad the facts have been released and we can now move on as a family.”

Legacy of Linda Brown

Brown was remembered as a dedicated educator. Former student Rene Lopez told WLS that she made students feel seen. “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.”

Lopez said Brown played a key role in his education. “I want the city of Chicago to really understand how much of an impact she played to her community,” he said.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also issued a statement. “I am deeply saddened by the news of Linda Brown’s passing,” Johnson said. “As a special education teacher at Healy Elementary she made an immeasurable impact on countless young lives.”

The principal of Robert Healy Elementary stated that the school is working with Chicago Public Schools to provide grief counseling and mental health support to students and staff.

It remains unclear how Brown ended up in the water. The investigation is ongoing.