Man dies after suicide attempt

A man from the Silver Lake community died Monday after setting himself on fire outside the community's entrance June 20.

A Manatee County Sheriff's deputy arrived at 5900 Lockwood Ridge Road around 11:20 a.m. June 20, at which time two individuals were attempted to put out the fire. Emergency Medical Services staff and the fire department responded and transported Thu Hoang, 71, to the hospital in critical condition.

He died Monday.

Hoang had poured gasoline on himself and set himself on fire in a suicide attempt, a sheriff's office report states.

Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Dave Bristow said the investigation continues, but "we're not anticipating anthing other than suicide."

Bristow said Hoang left three notes behind.

"Things on the notes lead us to believe it had to do with politics back where he was from," Bristow said. 

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].