The family of a 21-year-old Delta State student found hanging on campus is demanding further investigation after authorities ruled his death a suicide. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced that Colin Kaepernick will personally fund an independent autopsy for the young man.
According to WLBT, Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a Black student, was found hanging from a tree on the school’s grounds last week. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office concluded Reed’s death was suicide, but his family raised concerns about the incomplete and contradictory information they received from officials.
Authorities reported that Reed had no broken bones or injuries associated with an assault, pointing to suicide as the official cause of death. However, Crump and the family argue that unanswered questions remain about the sequence of events and whether key details were overlooked.
Ben Crump calls for truth
Crump emphasized the deep historical context behind Reed’s death and how it has resonated within his community. He noted that incidents involving young Black men found hanging evoke painful memories of racial violence in Mississippi and other parts of the South.
“Trey’s death evoked the collective memory of a community that has suffered a historic wound over many, many years and many, many deaths,” Crump said in a statement. He stressed that justice can only be achieved if the truth is revealed and confirmed through an additional examination.
The family requested a second, independent autopsy to confront these uncertainties and secure closure. Kaepernick’s commitment to cover the expenses ensures that this request will move forward without financial hindrance.
Kaepernick’s continued activism
Since leaving the NFL, Kaepernick has remained a national figure in civil rights activism. His decision to fund Reed’s autopsy reflects his ongoing involvement in issues concerning racial injustice and police accountability.
This is not the first time he has stepped in to financially support investigations for families facing questionable circumstances surrounding a loved one’s death. His support has allowed families that might lack resources to pursue independent reviews of official reports.
Crump and Reed’s relatives publicly thanked Kaepernick for his assistance, saying it strengthens their ability to seek justice. They believe his involvement brings national attention to a case that might otherwise risk being overlooked.
Ongoing investigation and next steps
University officials confirmed they are reviewing surveillance footage from the night Reed died. This footage may provide more clarity about his movements and interactions before he was found.
The Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s ruling remains unchanged at this time. Still, the findings of the independent autopsy will be critical in either supporting or challenging the state’s determination.
Reed’s case continues to spark conversations about transparency and accountability in investigations involving Black students in the South. His family has maintained that they will not accept ambiguous answers and will keep pressing for definitive explanations.
