Kyle Bassinga who passed in Fair Oaks Park. (Credit: GoFundMe)
COBB COUNTY, Ga. - Cobb County leaders held a 3 p.m. press conference to address the death of a 21-year-old Atlanta man whose body was discovered Wednesday morning in a wooded area of Fair Oaks Park.
What we know:
According to police, officers responded to the park at 1465 W. Booth Road around 9:46 a.m. on Feb. 18 after receiving a report of a body. Members of the department’s Ranger Unit secured the scene before Major Crimes detectives began their investigation.
PREVIOUS STORY: Cobb County officials address misinformation regarding Fair Oaks Park death investigation
Authorities say witnesses reported seeing the man, identified as Kyle Bassinga, 21, walk into the wooded area alone on the afternoon of Feb. 14. Surveillance footage from the park and nearby areas reportedly supports those accounts. Detectives say they found no evidence that anyone else was involved.
"At this time, there are no signs of foul play," police previously stated, adding that the case is being investigated as a suicide pending confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Officials also acknowledged concern and speculation circulating on social media.
"We are aware that misinformation is being circulated on social media that has created fear and speculation that this could be an act of violence," police said in a statement.
Chairwoman Cupid called the situation heartbreaking and said the matter is being taken seriously. Chief Ferrell emphasized transparency and respect for the young man and his family, saying the community deserves accurate information as the investigation continues.
The Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting a full autopsy and toxicology analysis. Authorities say additional details will be released once results are finalized.
What they're saying:
Chairwoman Cupid said leaders called the conference to address Bassinga's death by providing clarity on what happened.
"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.
Chairwoman Cupid said that leaders understand where the concerned residents are coming from and that leaders' main priority is to uncover the truth of what happened.
"I'm asking for some sensitivity for all as we understand the sensitivity of what has occurred," Cupid continued. "… I appreciate the heart that our community has, not only as a chairwoman, but being a mom of two young black men. We appreciate that heart and concern. I'm asking for them to also appreciate the process that our men and women in law enforcement need to have to be able to bring clarity to everyone with respect to this."
Chief Ferrell said that his agency is working to be transparent with the community, but some details cannot be released until law enforcement can sit down with Bassinga's family.
"Our community does deserve honest communication, but they also deserve factual information. And at the same time, transparency has to be balanced with investigative integrity and respect for a family," Chief Ferrell said.
Chief Ferrell said the department has been waiting to meet with the family because one member is traveling from out of the country, but a meeting has been scheduled in which law enforcement will explain their investigative findings.
"Out of respect, it would be inappropriate for the police department to share sensitive facts publicly about this case before speaking with the family directly. I do understand that when information is limited, the speculation grows. The social media commentary can certainly amplify the uncertainty. But our responsibility is not really to respond to speculation, but to follow the evidence and communicate verified facts," Chief Ferrell continued.
The chief also reaffirmed that at this point, there are no indicators that another person was involved in Bassinga's death.
"We lost the life of a young young man. And any time that happens, it is a tragedy. For our department, we want to find out the truth. We want to know what led up to it. Get those facts together and provide that to the family and provide that through the community so that there's no confusion on exactly what happened in this case," Chief Ferell said.
The Cobb County Police Department plans to release additional information regarding the investigation after meeting with Bassinga's family.
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Cobb leaders address Fair Oaks Park death amid community concern
Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid and Police Chief Dan Ferrell held a press conference Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, to address the death of 21-year-old Kyle Bassinga. His body was discovered in a wooded area of Fair Oaks Park last week. Officials are seeking to clarify the investigation details and address widespread social media speculation regarding the nature of the discovery.
What you can do:
The Bassinga family has set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for his funeral and support the family. To view the fundraiser, click here.
The fundraiser also says that a fake fundraiser has been set up, as pictured below.
A screenshot from the GoFundMe for Kyle Bassinga warning of a fake fundraiser set up. (Credit: GoFundMe)
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988.