Worker dies from fall at Naperville Central

A custodial worker was found dead Monday in Naperville Central High School's construction zone, sparking a police investigation in which foul play has been ruled out.

An autopsy is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. today, but authorities said Zeina M. Alva likely died from injuries she suffered after falling in a 20-foot-deep pit where a new three-story academic wing is being built.

An iron worker supervising the construction project discovered the 45-year-old Aurora woman's body just before 7:45 a.m. Monday and notified a site supervisor, said Naperville police commander Mike Anders.

Police are still investigating how Alva got into the secured construction zone, which sources said could be accessed only by walking on the existing high school building's roof and then climbing down to a lower level.

Alva lost her home last year due to financial straits and had a recent dispute with a family member, sources also said, so investigators are trying to determine whether her fall was accidental.

Alva was a 16-year employee of Naperville Unit District 203's custodial staff.

"The Naperville Central High School community was shocked and saddened ... by the loss of longtime staff member, Zeina Alva," Naperville Central High School Principal Bill Wiesbrook said in a statement. "Zeina was loved by staff and students alike and will be dearly missed."

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ms. Alva's family and friends," said District 203 Superintendent Mark Mitrovich, also in the release.

Students at the school say they didn't learn of the death right away.

"An announcement came on and they didn't say a name or who it was," Eric Harle told ABC 7 Chicago. "Then my sister texted me and said it was one of your custodians."

"I didn't even know about it until the fourth hour, and then all of a sudden everyone knew," Shannon Rueb told ABC 7.

It was also clear students were fond of Alva. One student created a Facebook fan page to honor her, and as of late Monday night, it had about 2,400 members. Comments about her or written to her piled up by the minute.

"It's a shame," Nevin O'Sullivan told ABC 7. "She was always there for the students and she was really nice."

The investigation is still "wide-open," Anders said, but police have no reason to believe Alva was the victim of a crime.