A man has died after he was found unresponsive in the bathroom of a Chicago school Monday, officials said.
According to authorities, the 49-year-old was found unresponsive on the floor of a bathroom at Minnie Miñoso Academy, located in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood. Police said the man was pronounced dead on the scene, and Area One detectives have launched a death investigation.
Carrie Ann Cole, the school's principal, said an adult member of the school community passed away Monday morning, but she couldn't provide further details, citing privacy reasons. The school was placed on a soft lockdown while authorities responded to the situation.
"All of our students are safe, and the lockdown was a precautionary measure so students would not witness the medical crisis," Cole explained.
The school will be partnering with the Chicago Public Schools Crisis Management Unit to provide grief counseling and support services to students and staff members. According to the school’s website, the Miñoso Academy serves children in grades Pre-K through 8.
The principal's full letter to the school community can be found below:
"It is with deep sadness that I inform you that an adult member of our school community passed away at Miñoso this morning. Our thoughts are with their family during this difficult time. For privacy reasons, I cannot share further details at this time.
Local
We placed our school on a soft lockdown while responding to this situation. All of our students are safe, and the lockdown was a precautionary measure so students would not witness the medical crisis.
I know that this loss may raise many emotions and questions for our school community, especially our students. We will be partnering closely with the CPS Crisis Management Unit to provide grief counseling and support to students and staff members. Our own clinicians will also be available for students who need ongoing services. Please do not hesitate to let us know if your child needs additional support."
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
