No cause or manner of death yet from autopsy of woman found hanging in Mississippi
The Jackson Police Department released a statement regarding an autopsy for Tasia Fortune, a 29-year-old Black woman whose body was found hanging from a tree on Aug. 3 in Jackson, Mississippi.
The department said the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted the autopsy on Tuesday and the police department has not received an official cause or manner of death. The investigation remains classified as a death pending investigation while they await the medical examiner's findings, according to police.
"The Jackson Police Department is aware of the significant public attention surrounding Ms. Fortune’s death, as well as information and speculation circulating across social media and other platforms," the department said in its statement Tuesday. "We recognize the deeply sensitive nature of this case and the understandable concern within the community."
Christy Spivey, Fortune's mother, told ABC News on Sunday that she was devastated by her daughter's death.
When asked about Fortune’s state of mind the last time she saw her, Spivey said, “She was better than I had seen her in a long time. She was at peace.” Asked if her daughter could have died by suicide, Spivey said, “She did not do this to herself. I know my daughter and she did not do this to herself.”
A spokesperson for the Jackson police confirmed to ABC News on Saturday night that police are investigating Fortune’s death and confirmed that the Hinds County Coroner’s Office identified Fortune.
"We urge the public and media not to speculate or draw conclusions about the circumstances, cause, or manner of Ms. Fortune’s death before the Medical Examiner’s Office has completed its review and issued an official determination," the police said in their statement on Tuesday. "Unverified information can cause additional pain for Ms. Fortune’s family, friends, and loved ones and can interfere with an accurate understanding of the facts."
The police department said that when the medical examiner provides an official cause and manner of death, they will "notify the public as appropriate."
ABC News has reached out to the Medical Examiner's Office for any additional information and comment.
