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Dead man’s body in Central Park playground sparks massive investigation

A man was found dead in a Central Park playground on Monday morning, prompting a massive investigation, police reported.
A man was found dead in a Central Park playground on Monday morning, prompting a massive investigation, police reported.
Photo by Dean Moses

A man was found dead in a Central Park playground on Monday morning, prompting a massive investigation, police reported.

According to NYPD Assistant Chief Ruel Stephenson, a Central Park Conservancy worker discovered a 36-year-old man dead inside of Heckscher Playground at around 8:35 a.m. on Dec 11.

“Our detectives are currently conducting a thorough investigation, seeking possible witnesses and doing video canvass. As we continue to investigate this case,” Chief Stephenson said.

While police initially believed the man, whose identity is being withheld pending family notification, was thought to have had a shoelace wrapped around his neck, however, it turned out to be string from his hooded sweatshirt and is not believed to be related to his death.

Police investigate the crime scene
Police investigate the crime scene. Photo by Dean Moses
NYPD cordoned off the crime scene where a body was found in a children's playground in Central Park
NYPD cordoned off the crime scene where a body was found in a children’s playground in Central Park.Photo by Dean Moses

Chief Stephenson did reveal that the man had a series of what he described as superficial laceration wounds to his neck and body. Police confirmed that a bloody knife was also found in his pocket. Still, despite the shocking discovery, cops are telling the public not to panic.

“We have not made a full determination as to the cause of death,” Chief Stephenson said. “However, our preliminary theory and investigation indicates that his injuries could have been self-inflicted.”

While the investigation is leaning to a possible suicide, police say the medical examiner will make the final determination.

If you or someone you love is suicidal, call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 immediately.

This story was updated at 3:35 p.m.

man was found dead in a Central Park playground
Photo by Dean Moses
A man was found dead in a Central Park playground on Monday morning, prompting a massive investigation, police reported. Photo by Dean Moses

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