I just love stories like this with practically no details and headlines like these. Not saying it couldn't happen because undoubtedly it has, just quite a stretch to believe.
Not totally impossible, but you are correct the lack of details is infuriating.
Assuming all the guy had was some thin, strong wire to fashion a noose from, the could have tied his feet and hands before jumping from a ladder or platform. The thinness of the wire could easily have acted like a blade and decapitated him. - - - And ALL that is speculation because we have absolutely nothing to go on aside from that one thin description.