By Chris Tobias 

The Delta State University community and families across Mississippi and beyond are mourning the loss of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Black student whose body was discovered hanging from a tree near the school’s pickleball courts on September 15, 2025. His death has sparked grief, fear, and urgent calls for transparency as investigators work to determine exactly what happened.

The Discovery
Authorities confirmed that Reed was found on campus grounds earlier this week. The Bolivar County coroner reported that a preliminary examination showed no outward signs of trauma — no broken bones or injuries suggesting a struggle. Law enforcement has so far said that there is no evidence of foul play, but the case remains under active investigation.

A complete autopsy and toxicology report is being conducted by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office. While initial results may come quickly, toxicology testing often takes weeks, leaving the family and community in a painful state of waiting.

Family’s Call for Transparency
Reed’s family, devastated by his sudden death, is pressing for answers. They are represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has long fought for accountability in high-profile cases involving racial injustice.

The family is demanding:
– Release of surveillance video from Delta State’s campus cameras to trace Reed’s last movements.
– An independent autopsy to ensure objectivity and fairness.
– Full transparency from both campus and state investigators.

Confusion deepened when the family was initially told Reed had died in his dorm before being informed that his body was found outdoors. For many, these inconsistencies have fueled suspicion and mistrust.

Community Concerns
The fact that Reed was found hanging from a tree in Mississippi has shaken the community to its core. For Black families, that image is more than tragic — it recalls the state’s long, violent history of racial terror and lynching.

Although authorities stress that there is no evidence at this time to classify Reed’s death as a hate crime, the symbolism is inescapable. Vigils have been held on campus, with students, faculty, and community leaders demanding answers, accountability, and respect for Reed’s memory.

Legal and Civil Rights Dimensions
From a legal perspective, the case raises several urgent questions:
– Independent Medical Review: A second autopsy could either confirm or challenge the state’s findings.
– Evidence Preservation: Surveillance footage, phone records, and witness accounts must be safeguarded and disclosed.
– Civil Rights Oversight: Depending on the evidence, federal authorities, including the Department of Justice, may be asked to review the case.
– Potential Legal Remedies: If negligence or mishandling is uncovered, the family could pursue civil action for wrongful death or civil rights violations.

A Community in Mourning, A Family Seeking Justice
Delta State University officials have expressed condolences and pledged cooperation. But for many, words are not enough. In a climate already fraught with distrust and the weight of history, only a transparent and thorough process will reassure the community that justice is being served.

For Reed’s family, the fight is not just for answers — it is for dignity. For his peers and community, the tragedy is a call to demand that no death, especially under such circumstances, be dismissed without scrutiny.

Conclusion
The death of Demartravion “Trey” Reed is more than an isolated tragedy. It is a story that intersects with history, justice, and the ongoing struggle for equality. Whether the final autopsy points to suicide or reveals something more sinister, the demand remains the same: truth, transparency, and justice for Trey Reed.