Kyle Bassinga was reported missing on Sunday, Feb. 15. After days of searching, the 21-year-old was found hanging from a tree in Fair Oaks Park, Marietta, on Feb. 18.

Despite local police sharing that there was “no foul play” and his death being ruled a “suicide,” the community wants answers. The disturbing way Bassinga was found sparked an outpouring of collective grief and anger by the community, as many residents and those online reflected on the country’s painful past.

“Somebody had to see something, somebody had to hear something and everything, and everybody is just quiet about it,” said one resident to 11Alive news. While they shared that anything was possible, they stressed, “Do I believe throughout the history of this country that that young Black man did that to himself? I'm going to say no.”

At a Monday press conference, Cobb County Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid called the situation “heartbreaking” and said leaders are taking the case seriously while trying to combat misinformation spreading online. 

“Mr. Basinga is a young man of 21 years who was found in a horrific manner hanging from a tree. And 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 towards African Americans, particularly men. During that historical time, it has caused many to respond to what is occurring with great disbelief,” Chairwoman Cupid said.

According to 11Alive, police shared that witnesses saw Bassinga walking into the wooded area alone on Feb. 14. Police Chief Dan Ferrell said investigators have found no signs that anyone else was involved and will continue to treat the case as a suicide unless the medical examiner’s autopsy and toxicology prove otherwise.

“I do understand when information is limited that speculation grows, the social media commentary can certainly amplify the uncertainty, but our responsibility is not really to respond to speculation, it's to follow the evidence and communicate and verify facts,” the chief said.

But he added he understood that “this case has created an emotional response, I recognize the historical sensitivities surrounding circumstances like this, and I do not dismiss the weight that carries — the concerns being expressed in our community are real and I know they deserve to be acknowledged.”

Civil rights advocates, including the New Order National Human Rights Organization, say they’re monitoring the investigation closely and planning a vigil at Fair Oaks Park. Community members are calling for both truth and accountability as they mourn a young Black man whose death has reopened deep historical wounds.

“Right now, online speculation is the least of our worries,” said Bassinga’s family in a statement to 11Alive. “We are focused on burying our son and am happy to have found him.”