Family Disputes Suicide Ruling in Death of Delta State Student Trey Reed
The death of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Black student at Delta State University, has been officially ruled a suicide after an autopsy; but his family, civil rights attorneys, and community members continue to demand independent investigation and full transparency, insisting that many questions remain.
What Authorities Say
• Trey Reed was found hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts on Delta State University’s campus on Monday, September 15, 2025.
• The Bolivar County coroner’s office preliminarily reported that there were no signs of injuries consistent with assault, such as lacerations, contusions, broken bones, or other trauma.
• The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was hanging, and the manner was ruled suicide. Toxicology tests are pending.
• Law enforcement has turned over all files and investigative material to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review.
Why the Family and Others Say “This Was Not a Suicide”
Though the official ruling is suicide, Reed’s family, their attorneys, and some members of his community have made public statements and raised concerns to the contrary. Here are their main points, and direct quotes where available:
Conflicting Accounts of Location
• The family was first told by authorities that Trey was found dead in his dorm room, in his bed. That version later changed: his body was found hanging from a tree on campus.
• The family’s attorney said: “The family does not know exactly what happened on September the 15th of 2025 … We are seeking answers from Delta State University. We’re seeking answers from the coroner’s office.”
Allegations of Injuries & Harassment
• A person claiming to be Reed’s cousin shared allegations on social media, saying Reed had broken arms and a leg and that the official version (suicide with no injuries) conflicts with what the family has been told or what they believe.
• That cousin also claimed that Reed had experienced racial harassment at the university in the past.
Calls for Independent Autopsy & Video Evidence
• Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has repeatedly said “We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain.”
• Crump has demanded that all video footage related to Reed’s death be made available to the family. He has also said he will lead a team of civil rights leaders and organizations in overseeing “a thorough and independent investigation.”
• Congressman Bennie Thompson has also called for a federal examination of Reed’s death.
Community & Institutional Skepticism
• The NAACP expressed skepticism of preliminary findings, with its statement pointing out:
“While initial reports offered no evidence of ‘foul play,’ you’d have to excuse our skepticism amidst growing racially motivated violence targeted at our communities across this nation. So while we await more formal autopsy reports and information, we offer this piece of history with a level of certainty: Our people have not historically hung ourselves from trees.”
So What’s Known and What Remains Unclear
What seems confirmed:
• The autopsy results matched the preliminary findings: cause = hanging, manner = suicide.
• There are no visible signs of physical assault per coroner’s office reports.
What is disputed or still under investigation:
Why Many Are Saying “This Was NOT a Suicide”
Putting together the family’s claims and community concerns, here are reasons people say the suicide ruling is not sufficient, or believe it may be incorrect:
1. Historical context – Mississippi has a long history of racial violence, including lynchings, which shapes community distrust of immediate suicide rulings in cases involving Black individuals found hanging.
2. Conflicting information – Details such as where Trey was first said to be found (dorm vs. tree), alleged injuries, and initial communication with the family are inconsistent or confusing.
3. Demand for independent autopsy – The family and Ben Crump argue that only an independent autopsy can provide credibility and assurance that no aspect was overlooked or misinterpreted.
4. Lack of visible signs of assault vs. allegations – While official preliminary findings say there are no signs of physical trauma, family/cousins allege otherwise; this discrepancy causes many to doubt the official version.
As it Stands Now
While the autopsy has officially ruled Trey Reed’s death a suicide, the family and many others are insisting the matter is far from closed. They point to conflicting accounts, alleged injuries, incomplete information, a lack of effective communication with the family, and broader historical patterns that make immediate acceptance of “suicide” controversial.
What many are asking for now is transparency:
• Release of all video/surveillance footage related to Trey’s final hours.
• Independent (outside state) autopsy to confirm or challenge the medical examiner’s results.
• Clear communication from law enforcement and university officials about how and when the family was informed of the various details.
Whether public confidence in the suicide ruling can be restored likely depends on how forthcoming and thorough the investigations are — both state and independent.
