CLEVELAND, Miss. (WJTV) – Delta State University Public Safety, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) and local law enforcement held a news conference on Wednesday to discuss the investigation into the death of a Delta State University (DSU) student whose body was found hanging from a tree on September 15, 2025.
The body of De’Martravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old, first-year student from Grenada, Mississippi, was found around 7:30 a.m., hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts.
The county coroner’s office arrived around 8:00 a.m. and pronounced Reed dead.
“Based on the preliminary examination, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault,” the coroner’s office said in a statement released Tuesday. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death.”
His remains have been sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy. Delta State officials said Monday there is no evidence suggesting any foul play in Reed’s death, and no threat to the campus. They are continuing to investigate.
“The chief medical examiner began conducting a full autopsy this morning. Preliminary results are expected to be available within the next 24 to 48 hours. This joint investigation remains active and the Delta State University police is in full cooperation with all agencies involved. This is an isolated incident due to the support of the state and local law enforcement and the increased law enforcement presence here at Delta State. There are no there are currently no active threats to the campus,” said Delta State University Director of Public Safety/Police Chief Michael L. Peeler.
U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) has called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to launch an investigation into Reed’s death.
The FBI released the following statement to WJTV 12 News.
We are aware of the incident in Cleveland, Mississippi, at Delta State University and are in regular contact with local authorities. If, during the course of the local investigation, information comes to light of a potential federal violation, the FBI is prepared to investigate.
FBI Jackson
Reed’s family has retained Attorney Ben Crump, and they have called for an independent autopsy. On Wednesday, Crump called for all video in the investigation of Reed’s death be shown to his family.
During the news conference with authorities on Wednesday, officials said they’re investigating video and that preliminary findings suggest no evidence of foul play.
“Trey’s family deserves answers they can trust. We cannot accept rushed conclusions when the stakes are this high. By demanding the family be allowed to view any video and commissioning an independent autopsy, we are taking every step to uncover the truth about what happened to Trey. Every student deserves to feel safe where they live and learn. That is why it is so important to get to the bottom of this tragedy,” said Crump.
“We just want to thank the community for their thoughts and for their prayers. As you all know, this is a very difficult time for us. We ask again that you continue just to continue to lift us up in your prayers. And this is so heartbreaking for us,” said Stacy Starling, Reed’s aunt.
Delta State officials said counselors and support services remain available to students through the O.W. Reily Counseling Center, and to faculty and staff through Human Resources.
WREG contributed to this report.