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Linda Brown was a 53-year old female from Chicago and a special education teacher from Robert Healy Elementary School. Linda was reported missing on January 3, 2026, and her body was found on Monday, January 12, 2026 in Lake Michigan. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the recovered corpse was Brown, a local teacher who vanished over a week ago after a cozy movie night with her husband, Antwon. 

On the afternoon of Friday, January 9, 2026, police found footage at 3 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, of Linda Brown’s car and location, who was then seen walking alone over a bridge on the footage. Linda Brown’s family spoke out about her death Monday evening, after her body was found. Search parties began looking for Brown along the lakefront Friday morning and it was ongoing since she was located on Monday.

Prior to the autopsy, it was still being determined how she wound up in the water, as the security cameras showed clips of Linda Brown’s car and her walking toward, but not going into, the water. After autopsy on Tuesday, the day after her death, the medical examiner ruled Linda Brown’s death a suicide by drowning. According to CBS.com, “Brown’s husband said she had recently taken time off work for some mental health struggles, but had planned to return in the new year. He said as the start of school approached, her anxiety appeared to be worsening.” 

She was reported missing after her husband awoke to find her gone from their home in Bronzeville. He thought she had gone to her standing acupuncture appointment in Wicker Park, but she never actually made it to her appointment.

According to CBS news, mayor Brandon Johnson posted a statement about her death on social media: “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.” Linda Brown was really cared for by her town, and her death made a really big impact on her community.