Photo: AFP
Autopsy results have been released in the death of De’Martravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Black student found hanging from a tree at Delta State University.
According to WREG, the Mississippi Medical Examiner's Office ruled Reed's "cause of death to be hanging and the manner of death as suicide," per the autopsy results. Final toxicology results are still pending.
The autopsy comes after Reed was found dead on Monday (September 15) morning near the campus pickleball courts.
The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office conducted an initial on-scene examination and reported no signs of foul play.
“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,” the coroner’s statement read.
However, attorneys for Reed’s family said police initially told them that the 21-year-old had died in his dorm room.
“The family does not know exactly what happened on Sept. 15, 2025,” Vanessa J. Jones, one of the family's attorneys, said. “We are seeking answers.”
Reed’s grandfather, J.B. Reed, said a Bolivar County Sheriff's Department officer told him that his grandson had died by suicide in his bed.
“He didn't even say possible suicide,” the grandfather said. “He said suicide.”
Cleveland Police Chief Travis Tribble said all investigative materials have been turned over to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review. Tribble also confirmed there is video footage related to the case, but declined to provide further details.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Reed’s family and friends during this very difficult time,” Tribble said. “We want to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help.”
Attorneys are urging the university to release the footage surrounding Reed's death.
“His family and the campus community deserve a full, independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened. We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain," Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has joined the family's legal team, said in a statement.
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