By WRAL staff

A man’s death in downtown Raleigh is “being investigated as a suicide,” according to police. 

Raleigh police issued a public response addressing what police called “unverified information” online. 

“We want to take a moment to acknowledge a disturbing post that is currently being shared regarding an active death investigation that occurred today,” police said. 

On Saturday shortly after 3 p.m., Raleigh police and medical personnel responded to the 300 block of South McDowell Street after receiving a report of a person hanging from a tree, according to police. 

First responders removed the individual and began life‑saving measures, but the person was later pronounced dead. Police said foul play was not suspected, and the case was being investigated as a suicide.

The Office of the Medical Examiner took custody of the case to conduct a full investigation, police said. 

WRAL received a call from a viewer Saturday afternoon reporting that a young African American man was hanging from a tree in what the caller believed to be a suicide. 

The WRAL Breaking News Tracker arrived to find police tape in place and several officers on scene, along with a medical examiner and the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services. 

There have been numerous online posts about the incident, along with graphic images that appear to be “unverified,” according to police. 

On Saturday night, the Raleigh Police Department released a statement: 

“We understand that this loss may be deeply painful for those who knew and cared about the individual,” the statement reads in part. “We ask everyone to please be mindful of the family and friends who are grieving and to avoid sharing unverified information or speculation while investigators continue their work.” 

It is the general policy of WRAL News not to report individual suicides to protect public health and privacy. However, WRAL may report deaths by suicide when the circumstances involve high public interest.

WRAL will continue to follow the investigation and seek additional information. 

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