The Death of Demartravion “Trey” Reed: Questions, Grief, and Demands for Answers

On Monday, September 15, 2025, the body of 21-year-old Demartravion “Trey” Reed – a Black student at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi – was discovered hanging from a tree in the heart of campus. The shocking incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and concern from Reed’s family, fellow students, and the broader community. It has also raised urgent calls for transparency and a thorough investigation, given the painful historical context such a death evokes. Below, we detail all available facts surrounding Trey Reed’s death and the ensuing response.

Key Details of the Case

• Tragic Discovery: A faculty member found Reed’s body hanging from a tree near the campus pickleball courts around 7:00 a.m. on Monday morning. University officials quickly canceled all classes and campus activities that day – including events for Delta State’s centennial celebration – as news of the disturbing discovery spread across campus. Grief counselors were made available to students and staff, and the campus chapel was opened for prayer and reflection.

• Ongoing Investigation: Campus police and multiple agencies (the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office, and Cleveland Police) are actively investigating Reed’s death. Officials have not yet determined the manner of death (homicide or suicide), pending a full autopsy. Reed’s remains have been sent to the state crime lab for autopsy, and authorities say more information will be released once results are finalized. Bolivar County Coroner Randolph Seals Jr. noted that preliminary evidence suggests Reed likely died sometime on Sunday (the day before his body was found).

• No Signs of Assault: Investigators have stated there is “no evidence of foul play” at this stage. The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office reported that a preliminary examination found no injuries consistent with an attack on Reed – “no lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones” – countering unverified social media rumors that he had broken legs or other trauma. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death,” Coroner Seals said in an official statement. Similarly, DSU Police Chief Michael Peeler reiterated that investigators have not uncovered indications of a struggle, though he emphasized the inquiry is ongoing and awaiting medical examiner findings.

• Conflicting Theories: The absence of obvious signs of foul play has led authorities to consider the possibility of suicide. Deputy Coroner Murray Roark, who assisted in examining the body, told the Mississippi Free Press that in his personal opinion the death “was self-done,” though he declined to publicly elaborate on his reasons pending the final investigation. Importantly, no official ruling has been made, and the case remains an open death investigation. Investigators say they are exploring every avenue and waiting for autopsy results before drawing conclusions.

Family and Community Reactions

The loss of Trey Reed has deeply shaken his family and the campus community. Reed’s family described the 21-year-old as “our little quiet light” – a gentle, kind soul who was “sweet, well-mannered, and would give you the world if he could,” according to a statement they provided to local media. In their heartfelt message, the family asked for continued prayers as they navigate “these unforeseen times”. Loved ones and supporters emphasize that Trey should be remembered for the joy, love, and light he brought into their lives, not solely by the tragic questions surrounding his death.

Many of Reed’s peers at Delta State have been left rattled and searching for answers. “Because I am a Black student, hearing that happened to another Black student… it really makes me feel unsafe,” said DSU student Stacie Hoskins in the wake of the incident. Another student, Eriana Murphy, noted that knowing exactly what happened is critical for students’ peace of mind: “I do have to walk to class and I like to go walk the track… it would be nice to know what happened”. The discovery of a fellow student in such horrifying circumstances has understandably created an atmosphere of anxiety on campus. University President Dr. Daniel Ennis acknowledged the community’s pain and shock, urging students to take advantage of counseling resources. “Our community is deeply saddened by this loss. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of all those impacted by Trey’s loss,” President Ennis said during a press conference Monday. He stressed that campus safety is a top priority and that officials do not believe there is any ongoing threat to students at DSU.

Members of Reed’s family and the broader community are insisting on a full, transparent investigation into what happened. “Please, do your own research on this. Do not let them sweep nothing under the rug. Enough is enough,” implored Reed’s cousin at a gathering, voicing concern that authorities might too quickly dismiss the case without due scrutiny. This sentiment is being echoed by many on social media and in the community who refuse to accept any “half-truths” or premature conclusions.

Historical Context: Why Trey’s Death Resonates Beyond Campus

For many observers, the image of a young Black man found hanging from a tree is not just a tragic anomaly – it is a scene that carries the weight of history. The United States, and Mississippi in particular, has a long and painful legacy of racial terror lynchings: violent hangings of Black individuals, often perpetrated by white mobs, that were used to terrorize Black communities for generations. In that shadow, any Black person’s death by hanging is bound to raise hard questions and deep suspicions. Reed’s death has reignited painful memories of racial violence that continue to haunt the South, as one report observed, sparking outrage and fear in equal measure . Civil rights advocates point out that in past eras, authorities frequently failed to hold perpetrators accountable – or even properly investigate – when Black Americans were lynched. “Every time a Black person is found hanging, officials rush to say ‘no foul play’,” one activist wrote, underscoring a widespread concern that such cases today might too readily be labeled suicide without exhaustive investigation . The demand from the community is clear: total transparency and diligence from law enforcement, so that if there was any malicious intent or foul play in Trey Reed’s death, it will come to light and be addressed. And if it truly was self-inflicted, only a meticulous investigation can credibly establish that, given the historical context.

Local and national advocacy groups have joined the call for answers. The official Black Lives Matter organization, for example, highlighted Trey’s death on social media, urging that “history compels us to take this with utmost seriousness” and that “we cannot accept silence or half truths” in this case. The NAACP and other civil rights observers are likewise closely monitoring the investigation. Transparency, accountability, and truth are the rallying cries, as the community grapples with the possibility that this tragedy could be either a horrifying echo of the past or a profound crisis of mental health – or something else entirely. Either way, the consensus is that nothing should be assumed or glossed over. As one local resident put it, “We need to know exactly what happened to Trey. He – and all of us – deserve nothing less than the full truth.”

The Road Ahead: Seeking Truth and Honoring Trey’s Memory

As of now, officials have not released further details pending the results of the autopsy and investigation. Bolivar County Coroner Seals emphasized that the case remains a death investigation and that they will follow the evidence wherever it leads. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies suggests that no resources are being spared in determining the cause and circumstances of Reed’s death. Investigators will be reviewing security camera footage, interviewing classmates and staff, and analyzing forensic evidence in the coming days. The campus community, meanwhile, is trying to balance mourning their friend with an urgent desire for answers about how this could have happened.

Reed’s family and friends are preparing to lay him to rest, even as they also seek clarity and justice. They remember Demartravion “Trey” Reed as a bright presence who “would give you the world if he could”. He was a beloved son, cousin, and friend who had only just begun to chart his path in life. Those who knew him recall his kindness, gentleness, and generous spirit, describing a young man who always tried to help others and brought a quiet light into every room he entered. It is that light – rather than the darkness surrounding his death – that his family wants the world to hold onto. They pray that Trey will be remembered for the joy and love he gave, not solely for the tragic and unresolved questions that now surround his final moments.

As the investigation proceeds, the campus and community remain on edge, but also united in purpose. In a candlelight vigil held on campus, students and faculty gathered to honor Trey’s life, lighting candles and sharing memories. There were tears and embraces, but also determination. “We owe it to Trey to find out what really happened,” one student speaker said. “And we owe it to each other to make sure something like this never happens again.” The coming days will hopefully bring answers from investigators. Until then, Trey Reed’s loved ones and supporters continue to demand truth, accountability, and justice – and to celebrate the life of a young man gone far too soon.