The quiet campus of Delta State University was shaken to its core after the body of a 21-year-old student was discovered hanging from a tree.

Authorities have ruled the death a suicide, but the student’s family members say key details don’t add up and are now demanding an independent investigation, as People reports.

Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a junior at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, was found dead on the morning of Monday, Sept. 15. His body was discovered on campus by university personnel, prompting a swift response from campus police and medical examiners. In the days following the tragic discovery, questions began to swirl around the circumstances of his death and the accuracy of the initial reports provided to his family.

By Thursday, the Cleveland Police Department publicly announced that a state-conducted autopsy confirmed Reed died by suicide. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be hanging, and officials stated there was no sign of foul play. The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office added that Reed did not exhibit any signs of external trauma, such as bruising, fractures, or wounds that would suggest an altercation occurred before his death.

Family disputes official report

Despite the official conclusion, Reed's family remains unconvinced. According to attorney Vanessa J. Jones, the family was initially told by local law enforcement that Reed had been found deceased in his dorm room bed. This conflicting report has caused significant anguish and confusion for his relatives, who feel that key facts were either withheld or misrepresented from the beginning.

Reed’s grandfather, J.B. Reed, reportedly received phone calls from a Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department official, who labeled the death definitively as a suicide, with no qualifying language suggesting an ongoing investigation. However, Director of Public Safety at Delta State, Mike Peeler, later stated he did not know about such communications taking place, further deepening suspicions surrounding the accuracy of the official narrative.

Reed's family, now pushing for transparency and answers, has enlisted nationally known civil rights attorney Ben Crump to lead their efforts. Crump emphasized Reed’s vibrant personality and the love he inspired in those around him, expressing disbelief at the circumstances of his death. "His family and the campus community deserve a full, independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened," Crump said.

Funding secured for independent autopsy

To further investigate the cause and manner of Reed’s death, the family has requested an independent autopsy. Funding will come from Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative, an organization that supports families seeking additional answers when official findings are questioned. The final toxicology results from the state exam are still pending and are expected within the next two to four weeks.

As scrutiny increases, local and university officials continue to maintain that the physical evidence from the scene did not support any alternative theories. Peeler stated unequivocally that investigators found no signs of physical assault and no indicators of foul play. Nonetheless, Crump and his team insist that the current conclusions do not fully resolve the questions and inconsistencies raised by the family’s own experience.

Cleveland Police Chief Travis Tribble extended his condolences publicly, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Reed’s family and friends during this very difficult time.” He also encouraged those struggling with mental health issues to seek out support, a message echoed by fellow public officials.

Community cautioned about rumors, speculation

Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell commented on the case Thursday, urging the public to refrain from spreading misinformation. “I also applaud the quick work by the Cleveland Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and Delta State University to bring closure to his family,” Tindell said. “I condemn the rumors circulating regarding his death.”

Even with assurances from law enforcement and state officials, the family and their legal team have made it clear they are not satisfied. “The family does not know exactly what happened on Sept. 15, 2025. We are seeking answers,” Jones emphasized, calling attention to the inconsistencies they believe warrant further scrutiny.

Crump added that he will lead a team of civil rights advocates and other allied organizations in pursuing greater clarity surrounding Reed’s death. He stated their objective is to uncover facts that have either been misunderstood or miscommunicated, and to ensure the family receives a full explanation rooted in transparency.

Lessons to learn

There are several important takeaways from this deeply tragic case that can help others better protect themselves and their loved ones:

1. Always verify information from official sources. Conflicting statements from authorities and misinformation can add distress to already painful situations. Families should request written confirmations when possible and consider legal support early when inconsistencies arise.

2. Pursue independent evaluations when necessary. If circumstances surrounding a death raise questions, families have the right to seek independent autopsies or investigations. This can provide peace of mind -- or new leads that alter the outcome of a case. However, even with private reviews, thoroughness and documentation remain key.

3. Mental health awareness should be prioritized. Individuals experiencing emotional crises should be reminded that help is available. Friends, families, institutions, and communities must be vigilant and supportive. Still, it’s important to remember that taking preventative steps does not guarantee protection, and victims should never be blamed.

Why this story matters

This story touches on the intersection of grief, justice, and institutional trust.

It emphasizes the importance of transparency in high-stakes investigations, especially when misinformation may further harm families already experiencing loss.

Furthermore, it raises questions about how quickly official narratives are accepted without independent verification.