The tragic death of a 21-year-old college student has left an Atlanta-area community reeling and searching for answers. Kyle Bassinga, who had been reported missing, was recently found dead hanging from a tree in a wooded area of Fair Oaks Park in Marietta.
While the Cobb County Police Department has officially ruled his death a suicide, stating that their investigation uncovered no evidence of foul play, his family and local community members aren’t convinced.
For the family and those who knew the young Black man, the police narrative just doesn’t add up. The circumstances surrounding his discovery have sparked concern across the community. Many residents are speaking out, finding it hard to believe that Bassinga took his own life in a public park, and are calling for a deeper, more transparent investigation into exactly what happened in his final hours.
“Somebody had to see something, somebody had to hear something, and everyone is just quiet about it,” one concerned resident shared with local news outlet 11Alive. “Do I believe throughout the history of this country that that young Black man did that to himself? I’m going to say no.”
In response to the tragedy and the lingering questions, the community is stepping up to show their support. The New Order National Human Rights Organization has organized a vigil at Fair Oaks Park to honor Bassinga’s memory and stand in solidarity with his loved ones.
Gerald Rose, a representative with the organization, expressed that the incident hits incredibly close to home.
“I can’t be an activist and something just took place in my own backyard and not say nothing,” Rose explained. “A young man lost his life and we just want to make sure we get to the bottom of this.” He emphasized that the primary goal of the gathering is to let Bassinga’s family know that the community cares and is actively seeking clarity on their behalf.
Despite the growing public push for answers, Bassinga’s family is currently asking for grace as they navigate an unimaginable loss. In a brief statement, the family noted that while they are grateful to have finally found him, “online speculation is the least of our worries. We are focused on burying our son.”
