Body found in the Chicago River believed to be that of Michael Scott

A body found floating in the Chicago River is believed to be that of Chicago Public Schools Board President Michael Scot.

Authorities have not yet made a formal ID, but Scott’s family reported him missing earlier in the day and his car was found near the scene of the discovery. Police are not expected to officially announce an identification until the autopsy has been completed.

Although formal announcement of Scott’s death is forthcoming, friends and associates expressed shock at the news:

The Rev. Jesse Jackson was on the scene early, saying that people have been calling him in tears all morning.

“I’m stunned,” he said. “Michael was so effervescent. [He] always had a capacity to solve problems, that’s why people leaned on him. Everyone felt Michael was their guy.”

In August, Scott was subpoenaed to testify regarding the admissions process for Chicago’s elite schools and also attracted some heat for possible insider business dealings in relation to the Chicago 2016 Olympics bid.