Man Found In West Hills Died By Suicide: Police

HUNTINGTON, NY — A man was found dead in West Hills on Monday morning, Suffolk police said. The man was discovered hanging in the woods in Peter A. Nelson Park on Oakwood Road. Police said the man died by suicide.

Officers were called to the area at about 7:20 a.m. after someone called 911. Police tape was seen around the park's baseball field, which is next to Henry L. Stimson Middle School.

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"As a matter of policy, the Suffolk County Police Department does not normally comment on non-criminal death investigations," police said in a statement. "The department investigates approximately 100 suicides annually. However, we are aware of unfortunate rumors circulating on social media and throughout the community regarding this investigation, and believe that it is in the public’s interest to issue this statement to allay any fears and quell rumors with facts.

"The death is being preliminarily classified as a non-criminal suicide based, in part, on evidence recovered at the scene and from the [deceased's] residence, including a letter left for his family in his home which describes his reasoning for his actions."

The family asked that their identity, as well as that of the deceased, be withheld to protect their privacy, police said.

An autopsy will be performed by the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner.