DSU Student Found Hanging in Tree, No Foul Play Suspected

Delta State University staff found the body of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old student, hanging from a tree in the middle of campus on Monday morning. His death set off a wave of mourning across the university and prompted the cancellation of centennial events for the 100-year-old institution.

Delta State University Police held a press event Monday afternoon, announcing that no foul play is currently suspected in Reed’s death and no threat to campus exists.

“At approximately 7:05 am, University Police was notified of what appeared to be the body of a Black male hanging from a tree (at) central campus near the DSU pickleball course,” said Delta State University Chief of Police Michael Peeler. “We later identified the male subject to be Demartravion Reed of Grenada, Mississippi.”

Delta State University Chief of Police Mike Peeler said no evidence of foul play is currently suspected in Trey Reed’s death. Screenshot courtesy Delta State University

Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark told the Mississippi Free Press in a Sep. 15 interview that he assisted his colleague, Deputy Coroner Dwayne Proctor, in examining Reed’s body. Contrary to rumors on social media, Roark said he saw no evidence of broken arms or legs.

“I saw no broken limbs,” he said. Roark declined to elaborate further, stating that the case was still under investigation. “I don’t think I should probably discuss this any further than that, my opinion is that it was self-done, and I have reasons for that.”

Peeler said an investigation into Reed’s death is ongoing and had no further comment on the details of Reed’s passing pending the release of a full autopsy. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is assisting in the investigation.

After the death of Trey Reed, counselors are available for students affected by the loss, and prayer services for Reed are in the works. Photo courtesy Delta State University

The Delta State University campus was closed on Monday after the discovery. But DSU President Dr. Dan Ennis echoed campus police and said that officials do not believe any threat to students or the community exists, and said that normal operations were expected to return soon.

“I have spoken to Trey’s family, and expressed our heartbreak,” Ennis said at today’s press event, adding that conversations with student leaders over prayer services were ongoing.

Peeler stressed that DSU is “a safe campus.”

“Delta State University is a beautiful place to be,” the campus police chief said. “It’s unfortunate, this loss that comes heavy to our campus.”