Cause Of Death Revealed For Missing Teacher Linda Brown, 53, Found In Lake Michigan

CHICAGO — Autopsy results have revealed that a Chicago Public School teacher whose body was recovered from Lake Michigan died by drowning. Her death was ruled a suicide, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner.

Linda Brown, 53, was last seen Jan. 3 leaving her home in Bronzeville, for a standing acupuncture in Wicker Park. Brown was reported missing when she did not show up for the appointment.

The woman's husband, Antwon Brown, said that his wife had already left their home by the time he woke up on Jan. 3, taking her purse, credit cards and car keys with her. Brown had reportedly been on medical leave for mental health issues and was scheduled to return to work last week.

Surveillance video reportedly showed Brown parking her car the afternoon she went missing, and walking across the 35th Street pedestrian bridge, but not returning.

Family, friends and coworkers combed the lakefront this past weekend searching for the missing teacher.

The Chicago police marine unit pulled the woman’s body out of the water just before noon Monday, reports said.

Brown taught special education at Robert Healy Elementary School, where she was described as a caring teacher and “amazing human.”

“One of her most amazing qualities wasthat quality of creating a second family,” a former student told NBC Chicago.

Brown’s family also issued a statement:

“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. We want to extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude to everyone who supported us during this unimaginable time…”