Cobb County leaders held a 3 p.m. press conference to provide information on the death of 21-year-old Atlanta resident Kyle Bassinga, who was found deceased Wednesday morning in a wooded area of Fair Oaks Park.

Statements from County Leaders

County Chair Lisa Cupid said the press conference aimed to clarify what happened.

Cupid stated that Bassinga "was found hanging from a tree in a manner that was disturbing," and that image evoked associations with the era of slavery and Jim Crow laws in American history, particularly for the African American community.

She called for sensitivity and patience from the community, emphasizing that the top priority is to clarify the facts.

Information from Police

Cobb County Police Department Chief Dan Ferrell said the agency is striving for transparency, but some details cannot be released before working directly with the family.

Ferrell stated that the community deserves accurate information, but transparency needs to be balanced with investigative integrity and respect for the victim's family.

According to police:

  • At 9:46 a.m. on February 18, police received a report of a body at the park located at 1465 W. Booth Road.
  • The Ranger unit secured the scene, and then the Major Crimes Unit took over the investigation.
  • Witnesses stated that Bassinga entered the wooded area alone on the afternoon of February 14.
  • Surveillance camera footage from the park and surrounding areas is consistent with this statement.
  • Investigators reported no evidence of other individuals being involved.

Police previously stated that there were no signs of foul play, and the case is being investigated as a suicide, pending confirmation from the Cobb County Medical Examiner's Office.

Community Concerns

Officials acknowledged that much misinformation has been circulating on social media, increasing anxiety and speculation that this could be an act of violence.

The Cobb County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy and toxicology screening. Additional information will be released after official results are available and after authorities have worked with the family.

Commemoration and Family Support

Gerald Rose of the New Order National Human Rights organization stated that a commemoration ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Fair Oaks Park.

Bassinga's family has set up a GoFundMe page to support funeral expenses and assist the family.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 for emergency support in the U.S.

Cobb County Police stated that additional information will be released after meeting with the victim's family.