City of Raleigh Chief Rico Boyce made the following statement during his Aug. 17 press conference:
Thank you for joining us this afternoon to discuss the very traumatic event that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 318 S. McDowell Street.
We recognize that any loss of life is tragic and that tragedies such as this understandably generate questions and concern within our community. We also recognize the importance of addressing those concerns with facts, transparency, and respect for the young man and his family.
The mother of the young man has asked me to share with you his correct age (32), and that he has struggled with mental health issues in his past.
Before I share the timeline, I want to be clear that this is an ongoing investigation, but these are the facts that we have to present at this time.
- 1:32 p.m. — This young man was observed on City of Raleigh traffic cameras, walking alone on Dawson Street near Martin Street, in the area of the incident location.
- 1:59 p.m. -- Video shows the young man carrying an electrical cord walking toward the tree by himself.
- Between 2:06 p.m. and 2:07 p.m.–-- Video captures the incident take place. No one else was seen in the area when this occurred.
- 2:25 p.m. — A witness who worked near the location, reported seeing someone hanging in a tree to his supervisor.
- Between 2:25 pm and 2:35 p.m. — The witness and his supervisor returned to the location and called 911.
- 2:35 p.m. — Wake EMS and Raleigh Fire Department were dispatched to the location.
- 2:36 p.m. — Raleigh Police officers were assigned to the call by dispatch.
- 2:38 p.m. — First Responders begin arriving on scene and rendering life-saving aid.
- 3:07 p.m. — After life-saving efforts were performed, EMS pronounced the young man deceased.
Based upon the evidence collected and reviewed to date, investigators have found no evidence indicating that another person caused or contributed to the young man’s death, and no evidence of a criminal act has been identified.
Our investigation confirms that this is a suicide.
The department is aware of social media posts alleging that the circumstances surrounding this death were different from what investigators have documented. Some of those posts contain information that is inaccurate, misleading, or unsupported by the evidence currently available to investigators.
We strongly encourage members of the public to avoid sharing unverified information, photographs, videos, or speculation that could further traumatize the young man’s family or unnecessarily create fear and division within our community.
Anyone who has first-hand information or evidence concerning this incident is encouraged to contact the Raliegh Police Department at 919-996-3335 or visit Crimestoppers at raleighcrimestoppers.org. We ask individuals with relevant information to provide it directly to investigators rather than relying solely on social media.
The Raleigh Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the young man. Out of respect for the family, the department will not release additional personal details regarding the circumstances of the death.
As with all unattended or unexpected deaths, investigators are conducting a thorough death investigation in coordination with the Medical Examiner’s Office. The final determination regarding the cause and manner of death rests with the medical examiner.
At this time if you or anyone you know are experiencing thoughts of suicide, Help is Available, please contact a trusted friend or family member or call or text the suicide prevention hotline at 988, they are available 24/7.
