Family Of Man Found Hanged Raise Money For Independent Autopsy

INWOOD, MANHATTAN – The family of a man who was found hanging from a tree has created a fundraiser to conduct an independent autopsy after his death was ruled a suicide.

Dominique Alexander, 27, was found in in Fort Tryon Park on June 9, according to police. A passerby discovered Alexander's body around 6 a.m. that day and he was pronounced dead by emergency responders at the scene.

The fundraiser, organized by Natan McKenzie according to the #JusticeForDomo GoFundMe page, has raised $39,225 of the $50,000 goal.

In video posted to the fundraiser, Keats Alexander, Dominique Alexander's brother, said the past few weeks have been very difficult for his family.

"Our family was left with so many questions as to what happened to my brother and his death was automatically ruled a suicide," he said in the video. "However at this time my family does not feel comfortable with calling Dominique's death a suicide and we remain resolute in our demands for a full and thorough investigation into Dominique's death."

An investigation into Alexander's death is ongoing, according to NYPD. Protest organizers and elected officials have called for a full investigation into his death, which was deemed a suicide by the medical examiner in mid-June.

"In order to move forward with this case, there needs to be an independent autopsy completed as well as legal counsel to find justice," organizers wrote on the fundraiser page. "With the racial climate in America, it is paramount that we adhere to truth and seek justice in the face of adversity."

Alexander died the same week that at least two other black men were found hanged from trees across the country in recent weeks, sparking similar calls for investigations.

All donations will support the independent autopsy, exhumation of Alexander's body and legal fees for the case, according to the fundraiser description.

"On behalf of the Alexander family I would like to thank you all for your countless hours of peaceful protests, phone calls, monetary donations," Keats Alexander said in the video. "We also like to appreciate the kind words, the support, the prayers, the reposts, all of your efforts have made a huge difference in the journey to seeking justice for Domo."

Anyone struggling with mental health can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visiting this website. New Yorkers can also find resources by calling 1-800-NYC-WELL.