A Black man was found hanging from a tree in a back parking lot near 318 S. McDowell Street in downtown Raleigh on August 15, 2026. The Raleigh Police Department said officers and medical personnel responded at approximately 3:07 PM. First responders removed the man from the tree and attempted life-saving measures. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The discovery occurred two blocks from City Plaza, where the 13th Annual CaribMask Carnival — organized by the Raleigh-Durham AfroCaribbean Association — had drawn hundreds of attendees for a day of parades, live music, and cultural celebration. A witness who works nearby told The NC Beat the man had been seen earlier in the day walking and talking to himself. A festival-goer said the man approached them on Martin Street and asked for water before continuing on. Workers checked the back lot around 2:30 PM and found him hanging. A photo circulated on social media showing the man with a Raleigh Fire Department crew member nearby.

The Raleigh Police Department is investigating the death as a suicide. The Office of the Medical Examiner has taken custody of the case and will conduct its own investigation. No official press conference was held. The man's identity, age, and cause of death have not been released.