"A body believed to be that of Michael Scott, the president of the Chicago Board of Education, was found in the Chicago River near the Merchandise Mart this morning," police tell the Chicago Tribune.
Chicago's CBS2 reports that Scott's family called police yesterday to say he was missing. The Tribune says Scott's car was found near the scene.
Update at 3:10 p.m. ET: NPR's David Schaper in Chicago reports he's been told by the Cook County Medical Examiner's office that Scott's death has been ruled a suicide. He died of a gunshot wound to the head, the ME says.
Update at 2:05 p.m. ET: We've updated the headline on this post to simply say that Scott has died, because the Associated Press now reports that his family has released a statement saying they appreciate the support they've received in the wake of his death. The statement also says arrangements for a public memorial service will be announced soon.
Update at 12:45 p.m. ET. From Chicago, NPR's David Schaper reports that:
Arne Duncan, who before becoming U.S. Education Secretary was chief of the Chicago schools system, says he is shocked and saddened by the apparent death of his friend. Scott was himself a product of the Chicago Public Schools, growing up in the impoverished North Lawndale neighborhood on the city's west side. In a statement, Duncan says Chicago has lost a great leader, and the city's school children have lost a devoted champion.
Update at 11:30 a.m. ET: Both the Tribune and the Sun-Times are now reporting that police continue to say the body is that of Scott, and that they now believe he had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
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