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A famous lawyer and environmental activist has been found burned to death in New York in an apparent act of self-immolation.

The charred body of David Buckel, known for his work on gay rights in the US, was discovered by horrified visitors to Prospect Park in Brooklyn early on Saturday morning.

According to reports, Mr Buckel left a note in which he said he had killed himself using "fossil fuel" as a metaphor for climate change.

"My name is David Buckel and I just killed myself by fire as a protest suicide," the hand-written message said.

"I apologise to you for the mess."

The 60-year-old was known for his work on gay civil rights including same-sex marriage.

He was the lead lawyer in the case of Brandon Teena, the transgender man who was raped and murdered in 1993.

WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGE

(Image: AmyHamberry/Twitter)

The tragic story was made into the film 'Boys Don't Cry' starring Hillary Swank for which she won an Oscar.

Mr Buckel was also a keen green activist and worked on a nearby community farm.

According to the NYDailyNews, he stapled his business card to the handwritten note which was found alongside a longer, typed-out letter.

(Image: Moment Open)

He wrote: "My early death by fossil fuel reflects what we are doing to ourselves.

"A lifetime of service may best be preserved by giving a life... Honorable purpose in life invites honorable purchase in death.

"I hope it is an honorable death that might serve others."

Self-immolation, the act of suicide by setting oneself on fire as a form of political protest, came to international attention in the 1960s and 70s.

A number of Buddhist monks set themselves on fire to protest the Vietnam War.

Mr Buckel's note continued: "This is not new, as many have chose to give a life based on the view that no other action can most meaningfully address the harm they see.

"Here is a hope that giving a life might bring some attention to the need for expanded actions, and help others give a voice to our home, and Earth is heard."

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