UPDATE: 01/13/26 at 7:58 PM ET: On Thursday afternoon, January 13, the Chicago police revealed it Linda Brown death by suicide
Original story:
Police have confirmed they have recovered the body of the special education teacher from Chicago Linda Brownremoving his remains from Lake Michigan on Monday, January 12th.
The Chicago Police Department’s marine unit found Brown’s body shortly before noon, according to a police statement.
Brown, 53, was last seen on Jan. 3, leaving her Chicago home for a weekly acupuncture appointment that her husband said never showed up. Police found her car abandoned days later, and video surveillance showed the women walking alone not far from the lake shore.
The Cook County Coroner’s Office has already positively identified Brown’s remains.
Brown’s family had spent several days searching for her. In a message to ABC 7 Chicagoa family member said they were “absolutely heartbroken”.
Linda taught at Robert Healy Elementary School in Bridgeport.
Friends and loved ones of Linda Brown said they will pick up the search for the missing special education teacher today, Friday, Jan. 9, a day after police reported finding her abandoned vehicle. The search was supposed to begin this morning at the beach and Margaret T. Burroughs Park in Chicago, known to locals as 31 (…)
ABC 7 Chicago spoke with one of Brown’s former students, René Lopezwho said Brown had a unique way of reaching people. “It gave us a sense of hope,” Lopez said. “He created a sense of community, a safe space within his classroom.”
Brown also taught Lopez’s brother and 10 of his cousins. “We always carried a piece of her with us. We always went to (her) for advice, and she always had a safe space where we could ask questions, express ourselves,” Lopez said.
Erin Kamradtthe school’s principal, issued a statement following Monday’s tragic discovery.
“It is with deep sadness that I update you on a situation affecting our community,” Kamradt wrote. “Ms. Linda Brown, one of our teachers, has passed away. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time. We know this loss will bring many emotions, concerns and questions for our entire school, especially our students.”
He wrote that the district was “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.”
He also promised to share information about the funeral “as soon as we have it. If your child wishes to attend, we encourage you to accompany him to the service. If the funeral is scheduled during school hours, students who wish to attend will need parental permission to leave school.”
Police have reportedly recovered the car of Linda Brown, the missing special education teacher who has not been seen since Saturday, January 4, her husband revealed to local media. Antwon Brown said Chicago police shared with him that they located his wife’s blue Honda Civic, but did not tell him where the car was found. (…)
Kamradt said the school community is “deeply saddened by this loss” and assured parents the district would “do everything we can to help our school community heal.”
Antwon BrownLinda’s husband told ABC 7 Chicago that his wife had been on medical leave for unspecified mental health issues. He was due to return to his job at Robert Healy Primary School this week.
“He has a little mental problem and he took a leave of absence from his job to get help for it,” Brown told reporters. “As school got closer, it got worse, like the anxiety, the panic attacks.”
In their missing persons bulletins, Chicago police said Linda “may be in need of medical attention.”
Police are investigating Brown’s death. They do not yet have a cause of death for Brown, and police are trying to determine how he ended up in the lake.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or thinking about suicide, call National suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).