Cleveland, MS – The Delta State University community is in mourning following the discovery of student Demartravion "Trey" Reed's body hanging from a tree on campus on the morning of September 15, 2025. Initial reports from university police and the Bolivar County Coroner indicated that there was no evidence of foul play and suggested the death was a suicide. However, these preliminary findings have been met with skepticism and a demand for further investigation from Reed's family and civil rights advocates.

The discovery of the 21-year-old student's body near the campus pickleball courts has sent shockwaves through the university and beyond. Reed, who had only been attending Delta State for a month, was described as having a fun and loving spirit by his family. As news of his death spread, social media was flooded with speculation, with many users linking the incident to the region's history of racial violence and alleging that Reed may have been lynched. These claims were fueled by reports from some, including a man claiming to be Reed's father, that the student had experienced racism at the university and feared for his life.

In response to the burgeoning concerns and the family's distrust of the official narrative, renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump has been retained by Reed's family. Crump announced that he will lead an independent investigation into Reed's death, vowing to work with civil rights organizations to ensure transparency and accountability. The family is also seeking an independent autopsy, expressing that they have been left in the dark by officials and are still awaiting definitive answers.

While university and local officials maintain that their preliminary examinations found no injuries consistent with an assault or evidence of foul play, they acknowledge the ongoing investigation. The Bolivar County Coroner's office released a statement specifically denying social media rumors of Reed having broken bones or bruises. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the ongoing investigation, and U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson has called for a full federal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Reed's death.

The university has expressed deep sadness over the tragedy, canceling classes and suspending centennial celebrations in the wake of the discovery. A campus vigil was held to honor Reed's life. Despite assurances from officials that there is no ongoing threat to the campus community, the case remains under intense scrutiny as the community, family, and legal advocates await the full autopsy report and further details from the ongoing investigations.