The death of Demartravion "Trey" Reed, a 21-year-old Black student found hanging from a tree at Delta State University (DSU) in Cleveland, Mississippi, has shaken the campus and drawn national attention. Reed's body was discovered near the pickleball courts early on the morning of September 15, 2025, an event that has since sparked grief, skepticism, and calls for transparency across the state and beyond.
According to the Cleveland Police Department, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner has determined the cause of Reed's death to be hanging, with the manner of death ruled as suicide. This conclusion, released in an official autopsy report, aligns with the initial findings of local investigators. The Bolivar County Coroner's Office, which arrived at the scene about 30 minutes after Reed was found, stated unequivocally: "Based on the preliminary examination, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death."
Despite these findings, Reed's family and civil rights advocates remain unconvinced. National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, now representing the Reed family, has demanded that all video footage related to the investigation be shown to the family. Crump announced on September 19 that the Colin Kaepernick "Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative" will fund an independent autopsy for Reed. "Trey’s death evoked the collective memory of a community that has suffered a historic wound over many, many years and many, many deaths. Peace will come only by getting to the truth. We thank Colin Kaepernick for supporting this grieving family and the cause of justice and truth," Crump said in a statement quoted by the Clarion Ledger.
Crump’s concerns echo those of the NAACP, which expressed skepticism about the preliminary findings, referencing the nation’s history of racially motivated violence. In a statement posted to Instagram, the NAACP said, "While initial reports offered no evidence of 'foul play,' you’d have to excuse our skepticism amidst growing racially motivated violence targeted at our communities across this nation. So while we await more formal autopsy reports and information, we offer this piece of history with a level of certainty: Our people have not historically hung ourselves from trees."
The official investigation, however, has been thorough and multi-tiered. The Cleveland Police Department stated that all investigative materials have been forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Attorney's Office for further review, a move intended to ensure transparency and impartiality. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Bolivar County Sheriff's Office, and Delta State University Police have all contributed to the inquiry. Toxicology results remain pending and are expected to take two to four weeks to complete, according to police statements reported by WJTV and the Clarion Ledger.
Delta State University President Dan Ennis addressed the campus community shortly after the tragedy, acknowledging the emotional toll Reed's death has taken. "The way Reed was found stirred many emotions in this community and many emotions around the state of the nation," Ennis said during a news conference on September 17. He also revealed that increased law enforcement presence was necessary on campus due to threats received in the wake of Reed's death, emphasizing, "We are supposed to be a place where students come to feel safe and to learn. That's our mission, and that's what we'll continue to do." Counselors and support services have been made available to students and staff through the O.W. Reily Counseling Center and the university’s Human Resources Department.
Amid the investigation, social media lit up with speculation, including claims that Reed had suffered broken bones or other defensive wounds that would make suicide by hanging impossible. The coroner’s office quickly moved to quash these rumors, stating in their September 15 report, "At this current time, we are conducting a thorough death investigation. Based on the preliminary examination, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault." This statement was widely quoted, including by the Clarion Ledger and WJTV, as authorities sought to address misinformation.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves also weighed in following the release of the autopsy findings. In a public statement, Reeves called Reed’s death "a tragedy" and urged prayer for the family and community. He also addressed the proliferation of rumors, saying, "I know a lot of speculation from people who have no facts or evidence has dominated online conversations and even some national mainstream media outlets in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy. That is also sad. It represents a sad state of affairs in today’s social media driven world…but it doesn’t represent today’s Mississippi!" Reeves thanked law enforcement and campus leadership for their diligence and reiterated support for the ongoing investigation.
The day Reed was found, another man—Cory Zukatis, a 36-year-old white male—was also discovered hanging from a tree about 100 miles away in Vicksburg. Authorities have stated that the two deaths are unrelated, but the coincidence has fueled further speculation and anxiety within the community.
Reed’s family has not only called for an independent autopsy but also questioned the early communications from authorities. Crump, speaking on behalf of the family, insisted, "Trey's family deserves answers they can trust. We cannot accept rushed, conclusions when the stakes are this high. By demanding the family be allowed to view any video and commissioning an independent autopsy, we are taking every step to uncover the truth about what happened to Trey."
In the days following Reed’s death, Delta State University held a candlelight vigil attended by hundreds of mourners—students, faculty, and community members alike—who came together to honor his memory and support one another. The event was a somber reminder of the profound impact such tragedies have on tight-knit communities, especially those still grappling with the legacies of racial violence and mistrust.
U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) has called on the Department of Justice and the FBI to launch an investigation into Reed’s death, reflecting the broader demand for accountability and transparency. Meanwhile, Cleveland Police Chief Mike Peeler confirmed that video footage from the area is in the hands of investigators, with the family’s legal team pushing for its release.
As the investigation continues, the Reed family, their attorneys, and advocacy groups remain vigilant, insisting that every detail be scrutinized and every question answered. For many in Mississippi and across the country, the search for truth in Trey Reed’s death is about more than one case—it’s about confronting history, demanding justice, and ensuring that every student, regardless of background, feels safe and seen.
For those struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, help is available by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or by visiting their official website.
