The Delta State University student whose body was found hanging from a tree earlier this week died by suicide, an autopsy by the office of Mississippi’s state medical examiner has found.
The body of Demartravion “Trey” Reed — a Black, 21-year-old student — was found early Monday morning in a tree near Delta State University’s pickleball courts and dorms. The incident occurred during the university’s scheduled centennial celebrations, leading to the cancellation of classes and anniversary-related events.
Delta State University police chief Michael Peeler said at a press conference that there was no evidence of foul play and that Reed had died by suicide.
In a statement released Tuesday, Bolivar County Coroner Randolph “Rudy” Seals Jr. said, “the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault,” based on a preliminary investigation.
On Thursday, the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the findings initially reported by the county coroner.
“Findings were consistent with the initial investigation, determining the cause of death to be hanging and the manner of death as suicide,” Cleveland Police said in a news release. “Final toxicology results are pending and may take two to four weeks to complete.”
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Reed’s family and friends during this very difficult time,” Police Chief Travis Tribble said. “We want to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help.”
But even before the results were announced, Reed’s family called for an independent investigation and urged police to provide security camera recordings and other video gathered as evidence.
Some online rumors suggested Reed’s body had broken limbs and other injuries inconsistent with suicide, but the county coroner disputed those claims.
According to civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, Reed’s relatives plan to seek a second, independent autopsy — the cost of which will be covered by the Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative, a legal nonprofit founded by Colin Kaepernick — once authorities release Reed’s body.
“Trey’s death evoked the collective memory of a community that has suffered a historic wound over many, many years and many, many deaths,” Crump said, according to local CBS affiliate WJTV. “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.”
With News Wire Services
