Naperville Central custodian's death ruled a suicide

A beloved Naperville Central High School custodian committed suicide last month when she jumped 20 feet to her death while on the job, authorities said.

An iron worker discovered Zeina M. Alva's body early Nov. 30 in the deep pit of a secured construction zone for a new three-story academic wing.

An autopsy determined the 45-year-old Aurora woman died of multiple traumatic injuries related to her fall. Police ruled out foul play, but what remained at issue was whether Alva jumped or fell.

The area was only accessible by walking on the existing high school building's roof and then climbing down to a lower level. One lead that Alva may have tried to retrieve a student's football was quelled, as police did not find any athletic equipment in the area.

Alva lost her home last year due to financial straits and had a recent dispute with a close family member, leading detectives to investigate a possible suicide.

Police awaited a ruling from the coroner's office earlier this week before officially closing their investigation. DuPage Coroner Pete Siekmann confirmed Tuesday authorities did not uncover evidence to suggest anything else than that Alva had taken her own life.

"The investigation pretty much confirms she committed suicide, which is certainly unfortunate," Siekmann said.

Alva, a single mother with three sons, worked for Naperville School District 203 for 16 years. After her death, students and graduates contributed to a Facebook page created for Alva with memories of a kindhearted, nonjudgmental woman whom they promised to never forget.

The site drew some 3,000 members within a 24-period.