Calls for investigation after Black student found hanging from tree

On September 16, 2025, the body of 21-year-old Demartravion "Trey" Reed, a Black college student, was discovered hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts of Delta State University in Mississippi. The campus police chief, Michael Peeler, reported that there were no signs of foul play or ongoing threats to the campus community. Despite this, the nature of Reed's death has raised suspicions and sparked calls for an independent investigation, particularly in light of Mississippi's historical context of racial violence and lynchings. In the wake of the discovery, classes at Delta State University were canceled, and local authorities, assisted by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, commenced an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Reed's death. The Bolivar County Coroner's office later debunked various online rumors regarding Reed's condition at the time of his death, affirming he suffered no physical injuries that would be consistent with an assault or struggle. The case gained additional attention as U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson publicly called for the Justice Department and the FBI to launch an investigation, emphasizing the need for a thorough and unbiased assessment of the occurrence. This concern resonates not just with local students, but also with civil rights advocates and community leaders, many of whom are reliving the painful history of racial violence in the region. As the investigation unfolds, Reed's family has expressed heartbreak and requested privacy while grieving their loss. They described him as a caring and well-mannered young man, a sentiment echoed by those who knew him. Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney representing Reed's family, has been vocal about demanding transparency and accountability throughout the investigation, arguing that vague conclusions are unacceptable given the sensitive nature of the case and the community's historical context.