Virginia Vinton, 57, a Wycliffe Bible Translators missionary killed herself in O’Hare airport baggage conveyor belt

According to her profile page on the Wycliffe Bible Translators website, Vinton served alongside her husband in Mozambique, East Africa, for 12 years. While there, the couple worked on two projects translating the Bible into native dialects.
The death of a Virginia Vinton, 57, a Wycliffe Bible Translators missionary in O’Hare airport baggage conveyor belt has been ruled a suicide. Virginia Vinton, who was found dead in a baggage carousel chute on Aug. 8, was 57 years old.

After joining Wycliffe Bible Translators in 1993, the Vinton family lived in Mozambique from 1997 to 2009.

According to her obituary, Vinton, who held a master’s degree in linguistics and ESL from the University of Texas – Arlington, went on to teach English and citizenship classes stateside and would host celebration events for students after they passed their citizenship exams.

She also served as a floral manager at a local supermarket. Her family said that she “would come home every day energized by the work she did with flowers and people.”

Chicago police said Vinton was seen on video going into a restricted area around 2:30 a.m. on Aug 8. Her body was found hours later by a baggage handler who was loading luggage onto the conveyor belt. She had an electrical cord wrapped around her neck.

The Chicago Fire Department responded to the scene sometime after 7:30 a.m., performing live-saving measures before declaring her dead at the scene at 7:55 a.m.

While officials initially believed Vinton’s death was the result of an industrial accident, they later determined that she died by suicide.

“All who knew her will miss her easy laugh and her loyal friendship,” her obituary said. “She was a great listener and on the side of underdogs.”

Wycliffe Bible Translators expressed grief over Vinton’s death in a statement last week. Vinton’s husband still serves the organization remotely from the family’s home in North Carolina.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Virginia,” Wycliffe Bible Translators said. “Our heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. We respectfully ask that the family’s privacy be honored as they grieve.”

A memorial service will be held for Vinton in North Carolina on Sept. 27. She is survived by her husband and two daughters.