A 21-year-old student, Trey Reed, was found dead at Delta State University. Police are investigating, and classes are suspended. Here’s what we know so far.
Delta State University staff found the body of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old student, hanging from a tree in the middle of campus on Monday morning. His death set off a wave of mourning across the university and prompted the cancellation of centennial events for the 100-year-old institution.
Delta State University Police held a press event Monday afternoon, announcing that no foul play is currently suspected in Reed’s death and no threat to campus exists.
“At approximately 7:05 am, University Police was notified of what appeared to be the body of a Black male hanging from a tree (at) central campus near the DSU pickleball course,” said Delta State University Chief of Police Michael Peeler. “We later identified the male subject to be Demartravion Reed of Grenada, Mississippi.”
Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark told the Mississippi Free Press in a Sep. 15 interview that he assisted his colleague, Deputy Coroner Dwayne Proctor, in examining Reed’s body. Contrary to rumors on social media, Roark said he saw no evidence of broken arms or legs.
“I saw no broken limbs,” he said. Roark declined to elaborate further, stating that the case was still under investigation. “I don’t think I should probably discuss this any further than that, my opinion is that it was self-done, and I have reasons for that.”
Peeler said an investigation into Reed’s death is ongoing and had no further comment on the details of Reed’s passing pending the release of a full autopsy. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the investigation.
The Delta State University campus was closed on Monday after the discovery. But DSU President Dr. Dan Ennis echoed campus police and said that officials do not believe any threat to students or the community exists, and said that normal operations were expected to return soon.
“I have spoken to Trey’s family, and expressed our heartbreak,” Ennis said at today’s press event, adding that conversations with student leaders over prayer services were ongoing.
Peeler stressed that DSU is “a safe campus.”
“Delta State University is a beautiful place to be,” the campus police chief said. “It’s unfortunate, this loss that comes heavy to our campus.”
What is the Cause of Death?
Despite police suspecting no foul play, Reed’s death has prompted speculation online after a video of the scene was shared on social media. The video has been widely circulated, drawing anger and concern.
Later on Monday, Reed’s mother issued a statement asking for privacy and urging people not to share the footage.
“On behalf of my family, I ask that you please not share the very graphic video of Trey,” the message, posted on Facebook by a family member, read. “For some of you it’s information, entertainment even, but for us it’s a living nightmare.”
Trey Reed’s Cause Of Death Sparks Row
Despite the DSU police chief suspecting that there was no foul play involved with Trey Reed’s death and ruling it a possible suicide, the death has sparked a row. Since morning, when Reed’s body was found hanging from the tree, a video of it was made and shared on social media.
The graphic video sparked speculation that foul play could have been involved in the death of Reed. Later on Monday, Reed’s mother reportedly shared a statement and requested privacy as they deal with the tragic event. She also asked people not to share the video.
“On behalf of my family, I ask that you please not share the very graphic video of Trey,” the statement, posted on Facebook by a family member, read. “For some of you it’s information, entertainment even, but for us it’s a living nightmare.”
Big Tik Tok allegation
The incident at DSU further escalated when a TikTok user, identifying as Trey Reed’s cousin, alleged that the death of Reed was a case of racist violence. He alleged that Delta State University, founded in 1924 as a predominantly white public university, has a history of violence against black students.
“Now, I just got off the phone with one of my cousins,” the user said. “She said she seen the reports and it said that he was beaten and bruised. Both his arms were broken and he had a broken leg. I’m gonna let y’all do the math.
“Now, this school has history for being racist. Even going all the way back to the 1980 situation that happened with the sit-in,” he added.
Trey Reed’s Death: Delta State University and Police Response
Delta State University President Daniel J. Ennis expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to Trey Reed’s family and friends.
“Our community is deeply saddened by this loss and we extend our heartfelt condolences to families and friends and all those who were impacted by Trey’s loss,” Ennis said at a press conference. “I’ve spoken to Trey’s family and expressed our heartbreak.”
Col. Michael Peeler, Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police at Delta State University, confirmed that there is currently no evidence of foul play in Trey Reed’s death.
“As of this time, there’s no evidence of foul play,” Peeler said. “While there’s no evidence of foul play, the body has been retrieved by the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office.”
Michael Peeler reassured the university community that there is no ongoing threat to campus safety. “I just want to confirm this is a safe campus,” he said. “Delta State University is a beautiful place to be. It’s just unfortunate, this loss that comes heavy to our campus.”
What Do Investigators Know So Far on Trey Reed’s Death?
Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark confirmed that Trey Reed’s body showed no signs of physical trauma such as broken arms or legs.
“I saw no broken limbs,” Roark told the Mississippi Free Press, adding that further examinations are ongoing.
The Cleveland Police Department, Mississippi Bureau of Investigations, and Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office are all assisting in the investigation. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified rumours on social media while the investigation continues.
Impact on Delta State University Campus Life
The death of Trey Reed has deeply affected the Delta State University community. Classes have been suspended, and it remains unclear when normal academic schedules will resume. In the meantime, grief counsellors and support services have been made available to students and staff.
The Delta State University said updates will be provided as new information becomes available, while emphasising its commitment to supporting the wellbeing of its community during this difficult time.
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