Delco teacher found dead in Brandywine Creek

The Southeast Delco School community is mourning the loss of one of its teachers.

Academy Park High School English teacher Susan Ledyard, 50, of Wilmington, Delaware, was found dead Tuesday morning in the Brandywine Creek near a bridge in her hometown. Delaware State Police confirmed the body’s identity in a Thursday news release.

A cause of death has not yet been identified, or any other information released about her death as Delaware State Police continue their investigation.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation and is in its early stages with further information being released as it becomes available,” read a news release. Police Sgt. Richard Bratz had nothing further to add about the investigation when reached for comment Friday afternoon.

Southeast Delco Superintendent Stephen Butz and Academy Park Principal Nathaniel Robinson released a joint statement Friday morning to address the sudden death of one of their colleagues.

“The Southeast Delco school community is deeply saddened by the death of Susan Ledyard. She was an excellent teacher and had a great impact on the many students that she taught,” read the statement issued Friday morning. “She provided leadership for Academy Park in the area of reading instruction and English preparation for college bound students. Our thoughts and prayers are with Susan’s family and friends.”

Ledyard had been a teacher at Academy Park since the start of the 200607 school year.

Counselors will be available at the high school on Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for students and staff. Additional information about supportive services will be available early next week.

Susan Ledyard