The family of 21-year-old Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a Delta State University student, is demanding an independent autopsy after his body was found hanging from a tree on campus. Reed’s death, discovered early on Monday, 15 September, has triggered widespread outrage, with civil rights leaders, politicians and community members calling for a full and transparent investigation.Delta State University police said there was no evidence of foul play, but Reed’s family remain unconvinced. At a press event on Tuesday in Grenada, Mississippi, their lawyer said the family were left in the dark by officials and were still waiting for answers.
All you need to know about Trey Reed’s death:
The discovery on campus
Reed’s body was found at 7:05 a.m. near the pickleball courts at Delta State University, Cleveland, Mississippi. The 21-year-old had only recently started his studies at the university. Police Chief Michael Peeler confirmed during a press briefing that there was “no evidence of foul play.” The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office echoed that finding, saying Reed’s body showed no signs of assault. Classes were cancelled, and centennial celebrations were suspended, as the university community was left shaken by the news.
Family demands answers
At a press event in Grenada, family lawyer Vanessa J. Jones said: “The family does not know exactly what happened on September the 15th of 2025. We are seeking answers from Delta State University. We’re seeking answers from the coroner’s office.” Jones insisted that surveillance footage from the campus should show Reed’s final movements. “Bring the surveillance, bring the cameras so that we’ll know exactly what happened,” she said, pressing for clarity.
Communication failures with the family
Jones condemned how officials handled communication with the family. “The media knew about Trey’s death before the family did,” she said, adding that information had been relayed second-hand and inaccurately. At one point, Grenada County deputies told Reed’s family he had been found dead in his dorm room, only for them to later learn he had died hanging from a tree in the centre of campus. Jones said such confusion deepened the family’s mistrust in the authorities’ handling of the case.
Remembered as ‘a happy young man’
Speaking at the same event, Pastor Jerry Reed, Trey’s uncle, remembered his nephew as ambitious and cheerful. “When I talked to him, he always told me that he had a plan for his life, and many things he wanted. He wanted to go to college. He wanted to be a truck driver. Because that’s what I was, for nearly 30 years, and that’s what he wanted to be.” Family members described Reed as “our little quiet light” who was “sweet, well mannered, and would give you the world if he could.”
Civil rights involvement
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has joined the Reed family in demanding an independent investigation. “His family and the campus community deserve a full, independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened. We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain,” Crump said. He promised to lead a team of civil rights leaders and organisations to pursue transparency and accountability. The NAACP also expressed scepticism, writing on social media: “Our people have not historically hung ourselves from trees.”
Political response and federal call
Congressman Bennie Thompson, whose district covers the area, urged the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI to investigate. “We must leave no stone unturned in the search for answers,” he said, citing Mississippi’s “painful history of lynching and racial violence against African Americans.” The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus also issued a statement, vowing to press officials for full transparency. The FBI said it stood ready to assist if evidence of a federal crime emerged.
Coroner’s preliminary findings
Bolivar County Coroner Rudolph Seals released a statement denying social media rumours that Reed had broken bones or injuries consistent with an assault. “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.” However, Deputy Coroner Murray Roark described the death as “self-done,” while declining to elaborate.
Social media rumours and online reaction
News of Reed’s death quickly went viral, with many users linking it to Mississippi’s history of racist violence. One widely shared post declared: “A Black student lynched in 2025, not 1925. Do not let them bury his story.” Others wrongly claimed his body showed signs of a beating. Civil rights groups, community leaders, and ordinary citizens echoed concerns that the official narrative was incomplete. The widespread speculation has intensified calls for transparency, highlighting a deep mistrust of official accounts in cases involving Black victims.
A second hanging fuels speculation
Just hours after Reed’s body was discovered, police in Vicksburg, 100 miles away, found the body of a homeless white man, also hanging from a tree. The coincidence fuelled rumours online that the two cases were linked. However, Vicksburg Police Captain Curtis Judge confirmed there was no connection. Still, the timing added to online suspicion and reinforced calls for federal involvement. Authorities emphasised that both cases were being investigated separately and urged the public not to spread misinformation.
What’s next?
Delta State University President Dr Dan Ennis said the institution was “deeply saddened” and had offered condolences to the family. A campus vigil was held on Monday night to honour Reed’s life. Yet, Reed’s family insist they have received no direct answers. “We’re not going to point fingers at anybody. We’re not going to call anybody any names. All we want is answers,” lawyer Vanessa Jones said. With investigations ongoing, the family’s demand for an independent autopsy ensures the case will remain under close national scrutiny.
