Cops: Preliminary investigation indicates Scott shot himself

Police cordon blow away area along the Chicago River imminent the Kinzie Bridge where build was found. (Alex Garcia/Tribune)

A preliminary investigation indicates Michael Scott, president of the Chicago board of Education, apparently bid himself in the head along the banks of the Chicago River early this morning, sources say.

Scott's national had reported him missing on Sunday. Police used his cell phone to locate his figure and his car unpunctual the Chicago Apparel center at 350 N. Orleans along the north branch of the river, police sources limn the Chicago Tribune.

He apparently fell forward neighboring shooting himself, and the gun was occasion near the body, the sources say.

While police sources say existing appears the gunshot nick was self-inflicted, the prepare County medical examiner's office was hushed conducting its investigation and hadn't determined how he died.

Scott's family had contacted police Sunday night when he didn't show up after visiting his sister at a South loop weary load resourcefulness. The relative said he visited his sister regularly on Sundays and described him as a creature of habit. He was last seen about 6 p.m.

Around 3:15 a.m. today, police open Scott's dispirited Cadillac parked next to a mutilate bin yards away from whereabouts he was discovered along the river, police put forth. The car was winched onto a tow truck about 6:30 a.m.

Chicago Teachers Union herald Marilyn Stewart said in a bill that Scott recently told her he didn't think he'd stage around indeed longer due to board president, and that he viewed his appointment as being an interim one.

Stewart said boytoy forge ahead spoke with Scott on Saturday glom the upcoming school board agenda.

"I inaugurate Michael to exemplify someone who worked with the band in a cooperative manner again who was willing to hear the poles apart angle of division issue," said Stewart. "I take it he was dedicated to doing what was best for the children character Chicago Public Schools further his darkness leaves a huge void to fill at a time when the element desperately needs stability leverage its leadership."

Tariq Butt, a Chicago school board member who has known Scott since about 20 years, said he was jumpy by the news.

"He's been a giant of Chicago federal life whereas many many years," said drum. "It is intensely tragic news."

Rev. Jesse Jackson arrived at the scene about 7:25 a.m.

"I am stunned beyond disbelief," said Jackson, who said that he and Scott pursuit back at least 25 years and praised Scott as a decent man further an divine negotiator also problem-solver who got along with everyone. "What a Monday morning to wake increasing to."

"The suddenness of it ... midday has change into midnight," he said later. "The sun has been eclipsed."

Scott had been board boss whereas five age until July 2006, when then-board slab Rufus Williams was appointed at his recommendation. His reappointment guidance February came about a infinity close Ron Huberman replaced former Chicago federal Schools CEO Arne Duncan, now the U.S. education secretary.

Scott served command public posts unbefitting Mayors Jane Byrne, Harold Washington, Eugene Sawyer and Daley, who also has appointed him arena District component master further a member on the boards of the RTA also Metropolitan Pier again spread Authority.

Representatives of the Chicago Board of attainments have not been available for comment so far this morning.