Demartravion “Trey” Reed - Delta State Student’s Death Renews Scrutiny of Mississippi’s Racial History

 Delta State Student’s Death Renews Scrutiny of Mississippi’s Racial History

CLEVELAND, Miss. — The death of 21-year-old Delta State University student Demartravion “Trey” Reed is under investigation after his body was found hanging from a tree on campus Monday morning, officials said.

Classes and centennial celebrations were canceled as the university called for a day of mourning. Law enforcement has not released an official cause of death but indicated suicide is a possibility.

That suggestion has prompted pushback from residents and civil rights groups, who argue that authorities too often dismiss such cases without full review. Social media users pointed to a series of incidents in the South in recent years where Black men were found hanging and local investigations quickly ruled suicide.

“People have seen this before,” said a Greenville resident. “Every time it’s called a suicide, and families are left with no answers.”

Mississippi’s history of racial violence adds to the concern. The state was once the center of lynchings that frequently went uninvestigated, and many residents say that legacy continues to shape distrust in official conclusions.

The Mississippi NAACP urged a transparent inquiry, calling Reed’s death “a matter of public trust.” Students held a vigil on campus Monday night, carrying signs demanding answers.

“This isn’t just about one young man,” said Rev. Marcus Hall of Clarksdale. “It’s about whether Black deaths are investigated with seriousness in Mississippi.”

Officials have not announced whether outside agencies will join the investigation.