Body Pulled From River May Be CPS Board President

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Nov 16, 2009 3:00PM

Media outlets around the city are reporting that a body pulled from the Chicago River near Merchandise Mart early this morning is that of CPS Board of Education President Michael Scott. As of 9:00 a.m. this morning, police have yet to confirm the news but outlets such as the Tribune, Sun-Times, and ABC 7 (where Scott's wife, Diana Palomar, was vice president of community affairs) have reported the body as being Scott's. The body was discovered around 3:15 a.m. and Scott's car was found parked in a lot near the river; the body was pulled from the river around 4:30 a.m. Scott had last been seen yesterday evening around 6 p.m. after visiting his sister in a South Loop care facility, something family members said he did every Sunday. Scott's family later reported him missing. Neither police or the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office have confirmed the body was Scotts, though ABC 7 reports the CCME confirmed the body is an unidentified man, black, in his 50s.

Scott was first appointed to the Board of Education by then-mayor Jane Byrne in 1980. He was appointed again by Mayor Daley, this time as President, in 2001 until 2006. He was re-appointed to the position this past February. Under Daley, Scott also served a stint as President of the Chicago Park District Board. Scott was also a member of Chicago's 2016 Olympic Bid Committee, a connection that eventually led to scrutiny when it was learned he was involved with two different developments - via his real estate development and investment firm, Michael Scott & Associates, LLC - that were in close proximity to proposed Olympic venues. Chicago 2016 denied there was any conflict of interest.

Update: The Trib has updated its story and is reporting that Chicago Police say Scott died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, his body then falling into the river. Police have recovered the gun.