In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the Delta State University community and beyond, 21-year-old Trey Reed was found dead hanging from a tree on the university’s campus. The discovery, made on Monday morning, has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death, prompting his family to seek an independent autopsy amid claims of a potential cover-up.
The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office conducted a preliminary examination and reported no signs of trauma or assault on Reed’s body, initially ruling the death a suicide. However, Reed’s family has expressed skepticism regarding these findings. His mother recounted recent conversations with her son, emphasizing his excitement about starting his college journey just one month prior. She voiced her frustration over the lack of communication from the university and local authorities, stating, “We are just looking for answers… We want the truth.”
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Reed’s family, has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death, highlighting the need for transparency. “Reed was deeply loved and respected by those who knew him,” Crump stated, adding that the family and the campus community deserve clarity. The NAACP has echoed these sentiments, expressing concerns about the lack of evidence supporting the coroner’s conclusion and noting the historical context of racial violence associated with hanging in the United States.
Reed’s family is now seeking to have an independent autopsy conducted, with the costs covered by Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp initiative. Crump announced that the autopsy will take place once Reed’s body is released by state authorities. The family hopes this will lead to a clearer understanding of the events leading up to Reed’s death, as conflicting accounts from law enforcement have left them in the dark. Initially, they were told he was found in his room, only to later learn he had hanged himself.
As the investigation unfolds, community members and advocates are demanding answers. The lack of surveillance footage on a university campus has raised eyebrows, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency from local authorities. Reed’s family, who described him as a vibrant, loving young man with aspirations of becoming a truck driver, now grapples with the overwhelming grief of losing him under such mysterious circumstances.
In the wake of this tragedy, many are reminded of the historic injustices faced by Black individuals in the United States. The call for an independent investigation reflects a broader desire for justice and truth, as the community rallies to support Reed’s family during this difficult time. As the investigation progresses, the hope remains that clarity and justice will eventually prevail, shedding light on what truly happened to Trey Reed.