EC teacher’s body found in school stairwell over weekend

As East Chicago Police continue to investigate the death of a teacher at East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School over the weekend, a school official called her an “incredible soul” and offered condolences to her family and the entire school community of Northwest Indiana.

At approximately 6:41 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, officers arrived at 3916 Pulaski St. for a death investigation, police said in a Facebook post. He said that he was sent to the school at . Officers spoke with maintenance staff who allowed them into the school.

Officers then took them to the second-floor landing, where they found a dead male, identified as Craig Jones, 47, of Gary, who was a teacher at the school. Police do not believe foul play was involved.

Jones was a special education teacher and basketball coach at East Chicago Lighthouse Charter School, according to a statement to school parents Monday from the school’s superintendent, Jessica Beasley.

“Mr. Jones was a wonderfully spirited and valued team member who was dedicated to helping scholars both in and out of the classroom. His infectious tone and laughter were contagious if you had the chance to meet him,” Beasley said in his email.

“Mr. He added that counseling and support is available.

A preliminary police investigation showed Jones contacted his parents on Feb. 22 and told them he would be working late at school. Jones then called his family about 10:30 p.m. to go home.

A family member came to pick him up a short time later, but he never came out, police said. They left because the family member did not receive another phone call from Jones. Jones was found dead in the stairwell by maintenance personnel the next morning.

The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad was called to the scene to investigate. There is currently no reason to believe any foul play has been committed, police said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.