The death of a 21-year-old Black student whose body was found hanging from a tree on a university campus in Mississippi has sparked outrage and allegations online even after officials said there was no evidence of foul play.
Police were notified Monday morning about the body found nearthe pickleball courts at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, university police Chief Michael Peeler said at a news conference later that day.
He said the body was identified as that of Demartravion “Trey” Reed.
Although Peeler said there was no evidence of foul play or of a threat to the school community, classes were canceled Monday at the 2,700-student campus.
Yet that has not prevented people from calling for justice for Reed on social media and circulating unsubstantiated allegations regarding his death.
The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office said Monday that it was conducting a thorough investigation into Reed’s death and denied rumors being shared online that his body had been found with multiple injuries indicative of a potential assault.
“Based on the preliminary examination, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault,” Coroner Randolph Seals said in a statement on his Facebook page. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death.”
Delta State University said in a statement Tuesday that it was “heartbroken at the loss” and that hundreds of students had gathered Monday night for a prayer vigil to honor Reed.
The university said it would continue to work with law enforcement on its investigation.
“Our focus remains on supporting Trey’s family, friends and the Delta State community as we continue to grieve this loss together,” the university said, adding that counseling services were available for students.
University President Daniel Ennis said in a statement Monday that “our community is deeply saddened by this loss. I have spoken to Trey’s family and expressed our heartbreak.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
