The tragic death of a Black college student in Mississippi has sparked national attention, raising serious questions about race, justice, and transparency.
Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a promising young man, was found hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts on the campus of Delta State University.
While authorities have said it appears to be a suicide, his family and civil rights leaders are demanding a deeper investigation.
Who Was Trey Reed?
Trey Reed was more than just a student—he was known for his kind heart, strong spirit, and bright future. His death has shaken not just his family, but the entire campus and broader community. Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, known for handling high-profile racial justice cases, is now representing Reed’s family.
Crump described Trey as “a young man full of promise and warmth” and said that his family deserves clear, truthful answers—not vague conclusions.
What Authorities Are Saying
Michael Peeler, the chief of police at Delta State University, has said there were no signs of foul play, and the case is being treated as a suicide. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is also looking into the death. However, many people remain deeply concerned, especially given the state’s painful history of racial violence.
The Bolivar County coroner, Randolph Seals Jr, released a statement denying rumors that Reed had visible signs of trauma. According to him, there were no cuts, broken bones, or injuries suggesting he was attacked. But many aren’t satisfied with that alone.
Demand for Independent Investigation
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the Reed family are conducting their own investigation and plan to request an independent autopsy. They believe it’s important to examine all possibilities and make sure no detail is overlooked.
Crump said, “We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain.” He also promised to work with other civil rights leaders and organisations to ensure full transparency.
Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson has called for the FBI to step in. He believes the federal agency has the right tools to carry out a fair and complete investigation. The FBI has said it is aware of the case and is ready to investigate if there’s any sign of federal law violations.
Historical Context and Community Reactions
Reed’s death echoes dark memories of Mississippi’s past. Delta State University is just 30 miles from where 14-year-old Emmett Till was brutally murdered in 1955, a case that shocked the nation and became a symbol of racial injustice.
The NAACP released a powerful statement, expressing deep skepticism about the initial findings. “Our people have not historically hung ourselves from trees,” the group said, reflecting the fear and pain still felt by many Black Americans today.
Social media has also played a big role in drawing attention to the case, with many users sharing their doubts and demanding accountability.
Delta State University Responds
Delta State University President Dan Ennis addressed the tragedy in a video message. He said the university is continuing to support the Reed family and is fully cooperating with the investigation.
Classes and events, including the university’s 100th anniversary celebration, were canceled the day Reed was found.
“We know that we can never fully heal this wound,” Ennis said. “But we continue to hope for answers.”
Demartravion “Trey” Reed’s death is not just a personal loss—it’s a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure justice, truth, and safety for every student, regardless of their race.
As investigations continue and pressure builds for a thorough and independent inquiry, the call for justice remains loud and clear. Trey’s family, supported by civil rights advocates, is determined to find out what really happened—and they won’t stop until they do.
