Authorities say video that sparked online outcry was suicide

There has been an outcry online about a video of a man hanging from a tree in the Greenspoint area that some claimed was a lynching of a black man. The video surfaced Sunday on social media.

It is in fact real, but it's not a lynching, as so many have claimed on social media. Some were even saying this is the next Sandra Bland case that members of the media are trying to hide from the public. However, the Harris County Sheriff's Office says it is a man, a 44-year-old white man, who took his own life—not a black man.

Suicide is a subject we don't typically cover on the news, because it is an intensely personal and private matter. But because of the outcry on social media saying this was a lynching, we got some answers.

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text to 741-741.

For the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, see https://afsp.org. Call 1-800-273-TALK for free and confidential emotional support.