The viral claim that a witness came forward alleging Linda Brown was seen arguing with two people (not just one), and that her husband Antwon Brown was having an affair, has circulated in online speculation but lacks any support from official police reports, family statements, court documents, or credible news coverage as of January 18, 2026. No such witness has been publicly identified, quoted, or referenced in mainstream sources (including FOX 32 Chicago, ABC7 Chicago, Chicago Tribune, People, Chicago Sun-Times, WGN-TV, and CBS Chicago). The Chicago Police Department (CPD) and Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office closed the case as a suicide by drowning following the recovery of her body from Lake Michigan on January 12, 2026, and the autopsy on January 13, 2026, with no evidence of foul play, arguments, third-party involvement, or personal scandals noted.
Early online rumors—particularly on platforms like TikTok and Reddit—initially targeted Antwon Brown due to perceived inconsistencies in his interviews (e.g., using past tense or appearing emotional in a way some deemed suspicious). However, these were widely debunked as misinformation once surveillance footage emerged showing Linda walking alone toward the lakefront around 3 a.m. on January 3, 2026. Family members, including niece Jen Rivera, publicly defended Antwon, stating he was “innocent” and “beside himself” with grief, having lost “the love of his life” after 11 years of marriage. Some online users later apologized for jumping to conclusions about him.
Here are recent photos of Linda Brown, the compassionate special education teacher at Robert Healy Elementary School, from public tributes and family-shared images:
These images highlight her warm smile and dedication, often described by former students as someone who instilled “a sense of hope” and created a “safe space” in her classroom.
Official Timeline and Closure
January 2, 2026: Linda and Antwon spent a relaxed evening watching a movie before retiring early—described as a normal night by her husband.
January 3, 2026: Antwon awoke to find her gone, along with her blue Honda Civic, phone, purse, and credit cards. She was reportedly heading to a routine acupuncture appointment in Wicker Park but never arrived. CPD listed her as missing, emphasizing her potential need for medical attention due to documented anxiety and panic attacks.
Surveillance Key: Footage from a Chicago Archdiocese building near the 35th Street Pedestrian Bridge captured her parking alone around 3 a.m., exiting the vehicle, and walking east toward the lakefront. No return was shown, and she appeared alone throughout—no arguments or additional people were visible.
Searches: Family, volunteers, and CPD combed the lakefront (31st Street Beach, Burnham Park) with flyers, drones, dogs, and marine units.
January 12, 2026: Her body was recovered from the 31st Street Harbor.
January 13, 2026: Autopsy ruled drowning as cause, suicide as manner. No struggle, third-party evidence, or anomalies reported.
Family shared that Linda had been on medical leave, with her mental health deteriorating (near-daily panic attacks) as her return to teaching approached. Rivera noted: “She was an incredible, amazing human who bent over backwards for everyone.” No reports mention workplace arguments escalating to disappearances, affairs, or witnesses seeing confrontations with multiple people.
Here are evocative images of the Lake Michigan lakefront near the 35th Street Bridge and 31st Street Harbor, the areas central to the case:
These scenes reflect the quiet, expansive shoreline where the tragedy unfolded amid Chicago’s winter chill.
Community Mourning and Mental Health Focus
Robert Healy Elementary Principal Erin Kamradt informed the school: “It is with deep sadness that I update you… Ms. Linda Brown, one of our teachers, has passed away.” Crisis counselors supported students and staff, many of whom remembered her profound impact on special needs children.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stated: “She made an immeasurable impact on countless young lives and was a vital member of the Bridgeport community.”
The family’s final message expressed gratitude for the searches and support: “Your love, compassion, and tireless efforts will never be forgotten.” They urged awareness of mental health struggles, emphasizing open conversations and help-seeking.
While speculation persists online, the verified facts point to a private battle with mental health, not external conflicts or affairs. Sensational claims of witnesses or scandals remain unsubstantiated and appear rooted in early grief-fueled misinformation.
