The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said Durham Police were called at around 5.30am by someone who asked them to check on his brother as he was concerned for his welfare.
Officers attended the man’s home in the area of Harmony Road North and Adelaide Avenue East. The SIU said when police arrived, they heard a sound coming from the garage.
“They entered and saw the male self-inflicted,” the SIU said.
He was rushed to the hospital, where he died from his injuries. The SIU said an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
The agency has assigned three investigators and two medical examiners to the case. It has also appointed a subject officer and three witness officers.
The SIU, which is called upon to investigate police conduct that may have resulted in death, serious injury or sexual assault, urges anyone with information to contact investigators at 1-800-787-8529.