CLEVELAND, Miss. (WJTV) – Attorney Ben Crump announced a second, independent autopsy will be conducted for De’Martravion “Trey” Reed, the Delta State University (DSU) student whose body was found hanging from a tree on September 15, 2025.

According to Crump, the Colin Kaepernick “Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative” will cover the cost of the second autopsy. He said Reed’s family will seek the autopsy as soon as Reed’s body is released by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office.

“Trey’s death evoked the collective memory of a community that has suffered a historic wound over many, many years and many, many deaths. Peace will come only by getting to the truth. We thank Colin Kaepernick for supporting this grieving family and the cause of justice and truth,” said Crump.

According to the State Medical Examiner’s Office, Reed’s cause of death was determined to be hanging and the manner of death as suicide. Cleveland police said final toxicology results are pending and may take two to four weeks to complete.

As part of the investigation, police said all files and investigative material have been turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review.

Reed, a 21-year-old, first-year student from Grenada, Mississippi, was found around 7:30 a.m. on September 15, hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts at Delta State.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Gov. Tate Reeves released a statement on social media about Reed’s death.

The suicide this week at Delta State is a tragedy. Any untimely death is a moment for reflection and grief. The family, and the deceased, deserve sympathy and they deserve prayer.

And last night, on the campus in Cleveland, that is exactly what happened. Hundreds of folks – lots of black folks and lots of white folks – came together for a candlelight vigil to pray and remember student Demartravion “Trey” Reed.

That is the Delta State I know.

And that is the Mississippi I know.

Thank you to the law enforcement officers and campus leadership who have worked diligently to investigate this terrible situation and provide updates to the public. The State Medical Examiner – after taking the time and doing the work to review the evidence and perform an autopsy – confirmed their findings were consistent with those of the initial investigation by local authorities, including the Bolivar County Coroner.  

I know a lot of speculation from people who have no facts or evidence has dominated online conversations and even some national mainstream media outlets in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy. That is also sad. It represents a sad state of affairs in today’s social media driven world….but it doesn’t represent today’s Mississippi!

Elee and I are continuing to pray for the family of Mr. Reed and for the local community in Cleveland and Delta State, and I hope you will too!

Gov. Tate Reeves (R-Miss.)

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.