Authorities have spoken out after the body of 21-year-old Kyle Bassinga was reportedly found hanging from a tree in a Georgia park.
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Body Of 21-Year-Old Male Was Reportedly Found Hanging From Tree In Georgia Park
According to 11Alive, on Wednesday, February 18, authorities received a call “about a dead person in the wooded area” of Fair Oaks Park in Cobb County, Georgia. On Friday, February 20, Kyle Bassinga’s family confirmed that it was his body found.
Per the outlet, witnesses say Bassinga entered the wooded area at the park around 4:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. Furthermore, his family reported him missing on February 15.
“Right now, online speculation is the least of our worries. We are focused on burying our son and am happy to have found him,” Bassinga’s family reportedly told the press last week amid speculation around the nature of his death.
Authorities Reportedly Speak Out After Body Of 21-Year-Old Male Was Reportedly Found Hanging From A Tree In Georgia Park
On Monday, February 23, 11Alive reported that Bassinga’s death was officially ruled a suicide. Atlanta News First adds that Cobb County Police Chief Dan Ferrell has asserted that a “substantial amount of evidence” has been collected. This, reportedly including “video evidence, phone evidence, and witness interviews that [show] no indication of foul play.”
Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid also spoke out, addressing social media concerns of the case mirroring Jim Crow-era lynchings.
“This is a violent manner that has caused many to think of the days of slavery and of Jim Crow, and this type of violence shown toward African Americans, particularly men, during that historical time has caused many to respond to what is occurring with great disbelief… I hear you, I understand, and we are sensitive to that here in this county,” she reportedly explained. “We want to see the truth of the matter first for the family, who is deserving… as they go through their own grief at this time, but it’s also important for our community to know the truth.”
Atlanta News First added that, as of Monday, police were waiting to sit down with Bassinga’s family to share their findings.
“Once that meeting takes place, we will discuss releasing additional information to the public and put that context around exactly what happened, and I believe that will answer the questions that people have actually been posing,” Cobb County Police Chief Dan Ferrell reportedly noted.
Fox 5 Atlanta reports that on Tuesday, February 24, a vigil was held in honor of Kyle Bassinga. Furthermore, a GoFundMe has been launched to “honor his memory and guide him to a peaceful rest.” As of Friday, February 26, the campaign has raised more than $10,000 out of its $20,000 goal.
Social Media Reacts
Social media users reacted to the death of Kyle Bassinga and his body being found hanging from a tree in TSR’s comment section. Additionally, social media users reacted to the authorities ruling his death a suicide.
Instagram user @the.shandawg wrote, “Every time a young black man is found hung from a tree there’s never any foul player …”
While Instagram user @yahtherealtor added, “Wow…I really hate it here!!!!!!”
While Instagram user @darlenemccoy added, “WE DO NOT BELIEVE IT WAS SUICIDE… u have to PROOVE IT”
