Gary Null, an investigator with the Jasper Police Department, said a 13-year-old boy was found by family members hanged in his closet around 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The teen was transported from his home near downtown Jasper to a Birmingham hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Several Facebook posts regarding the incident alleged bullying may have played a role.
Jasper Police Chief Connie Cooner Rowe said a part of the investigation will include police speaking with family members and school officials to determine if bullying was indeed a factor.
Null said he could not comment at this point on the alleged bullying.
“There are a lot of rumors out there,” he said. “We are looking into every possible aspect of this incident to find out what caused this terrible tragedy.”