Nationwide — Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old African American student at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, was found hanging from a tree on campus Monday morning. An investigation is ongoing because according to lawyers for the victim’s family, police initially told them that he died in his dorm room.
The body was discovered at about 7:05 a.m. near the pickleball courts in the center of campus. University police secured the area and confirmed Reed’s identity as a student from Grenada, Mississippi.
Campus officials later addressed the incident. Chief of Police Michael Peeler said investigators do not believe there is any threat to students or the surrounding community. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is assisting while a full autopsy is pending.
Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark also spoke about the case. He said an initial examination showed no broken bones, countering false claims circulating on social media.
“I saw no broken limbs,” Roark told Mississippi Free Press. “I don’t think I should probably discuss this any further than that. My opinion is that it was self-done, and I have reasons for that.”
The discovery prompted the university to close on Monday and cancel centennial celebrations. DSU President Dan Ennis said he has spoken with Reed’s family and that student leaders are planning memorial services.
By late Monday, campus leaders stressed that Delta State remains a safe environment. “It’s unfortunate, this loss that comes heavy to our campus,” Chief Peeler said.
Reed’s death has left students, staff, and alumni grieving as they await more answers from investigators.