A well-respected teacher from Gary, Indiana was found lifeless in a stairwell at the East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School in East Chicago, Indiana.
The deceased, identified as Craig Jones, 47, was discovered on the morning of Friday, February 23, 2024, as per a statement issued by the East Chicago Police Department.
Jones, a special education teacher and basketball coach, was renowned for his devotion to his students and his profession. He was reportedly working late into the night of Thursday, February 22, and had arranged to be picked up by a family member around 10:30 p.m. However, he did not appear at the agreed-upon time, leading the relative to depart without him.
The following morning, at approximately 6:40 a.m., the school’s maintenance staff discovered Jones on a second-floor stairwell landing. The authorities were immediately notified. The East Chicago Police Department, together with the Lake County Coroner’s Office, promptly initiated an investigation into Jones’ unexpected death.
Deputy Coroner Eric Graf stated, “The cause of death is currently under review, with further details pending a complete examination.” The Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force joined the investigation, not due to suspicions of foul play, but to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the events that led to Jones’ death.
East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School issued a statement expressing their sorrow over Jones’ passing, “We are heartbroken over the loss of Mr. Jones, a passionate educator who dedicated his life to our students’ growth and development. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and students during this difficult time.”
Local enforcement agencies are urging anyone with relevant information about Jones’ activities on the night of his death or any unusual happenings within the school premises to come forward. The primary objective is to reconstruct the events leading up to Jones’ death, thereby providing closure for all those affected by this tragedy.
