An East Chicago teacher was found dead at his school last weekend, sparking a probe by local authorities, officials said.
The educator, identified as 47-year-old Craig Jones of Gary, Indiana, was discovered by maintenance workers early Friday morning at East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School. The body was found on a landing in the second-floor stairwell, CBS Chicago reported. Police said Jones had informed his family he would be working late on Thursday and later called for a ride home, but never showed up outside to meet the relative who came for him.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force is involved in the investigation. While the cause of death is currently unknown, police have found no evidence to suggest foul play at this stage.
Jessica Beasley, the school's executive director, described Jones as an "amazing spirit" who was "committed to the work of helping scholars both in, and out of the classroom." He was also a beloved basketball coach. "His contagious tone of positivity and laughter was infectious if ever you had a chance to meet him," Beasley expressed in a statement to the school community. Grief counseling and support services are being offered to students and staff to help them cope with the loss.
Jones last contacted his family on February 22, and a family member, who received a call for a ride later that evening, arrived shortly thereafter but ultimately left when Jones failed to appear. The teacher's untimely death was confirmed the next day by school maintenance staff. The investigation into Jones's death remains ongoing, with updates anticipated as more information becomes available.
