Nationwide — The family of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, the African American student at Delta State University who was found hanging from a tree on campus, is demanding answers after the incident. They have hired national civil rights attorney Ben Crump to investigate his death.
Students had been back at Delta State for less than a month when Reed, 21, was discovered hanging from a tree on September 15. His death immediately sparked questions on campus and online, with many raising concerns about a possible lynching despite officials saying no foul play was found.
The case has drawn attention across Mississippi, where families of other Black men found hanging in recent years have also challenged suicide rulings. Many point to the state’s long history of racial violence, including the 1955 lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till, as a reason for skepticism.
According to NBC News, Bolivar County Coroner Randolph Seals Jr. said his office is conducting a “thorough” investigation. A preliminary review showed no evidence of physical assault, but final conclusions will depend on an autopsy by the Mississippi State Crime Lab.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced he was representing Reed’s family, calling for a full, independent investigation. “Trey was a young man full of promise and warmth, deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain,” Crump said in a statement.
Attorney Vanessa Jones also confirmed she is working with the family. She pledged to launch her own independent inquiry and pressed officials to release more details. “The family does not know exactly what happened on Sept. 15, 2025. We are seeking answers,” she said.
Students and community members continue to share their concerns. One visitor on campus, Meara Brown, said the sight of a Black man found hanging carried painful historical weight. “Just given the historical significance of trees, Black men and ropes — there’s just something about it to me that isn’t right,” she said.