Chicago Fire Star DuShon Monique Brown Passes Away At 49

DuShon Monique Brown has died.

The actress, who portrayed Chief Boden's assistant Connie on Chicago Fire, passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018. The Chicago Tribune reports that, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office, Brown died shortly after noon at Franciscan St. James Health Olympia Fields. She was just 49 years old.

TMZ noted that Brown likely died as a result of a heart attack. However, an official cause of death has not yet been released. According to the gossip rag, Brown had visited a Chicago hospital days before her passing after experiencing chest pains. She then reportedly went through medical tests before eventually being released. 

In an update to their original report, TMZ stated that Brown's family had called paramedics to her home on Friday morning. She was then taken to the hospital, where she passed away.

E! News later confirmed that an autopsy had been scheduled for Saturday, March 24.

Brown is survived by her daughter.

In a statement obtained by TMZ, Chicago Fire executive producer Dick Wolf said, "The Chicago Fire family is devastated to lose one of its own. Our thought and prayers are with DuShon's family and we will all miss her."

Brown's manager, Robert Schroeder, also released a statement following the actress' passing. "We are very sad to announce the untimely death of beloved Chicago actress DuShon Monique Brown. DuShon, most affectionately known to many as Connie on NBC's 'Chicago Fire,' died suddenly Friday morning of natural causes. We are devastated by the loss of a very talented and kindhearted soul," he said. "DuShon was a film, television, commercial and voice-over actress who also graced the stages of many Chicago theaters. She brought laughter and joy to many and will be greatly missed. At this difficult time we ask that the privacy of the family and loved ones be respected."

Brown had starred on Chicago Fire since its start in 2012. Prior to her role as Connie, Brown had appeared on Prison Break as Nurse Katie Welch from 2005 to 2007. Brown, who'd boasted a Master's degree in counseling, also had a career in social work and had once worked at a high school as a counselor. The principal of that high school had reportedly confirmed her passing in an email sent to students' parents (via the Chicago Tribune).

Our thoughts are with Brown's loved ones during this difficult time.