The Delta State University campus in Cleveland, Mississippi, is reeling after the devastating death of 21-year-old student De’Martravion “Trey” Reed. On the morning of September 9, 2025, Reed’s body was discovered hanging from a tree near the school’s pickleball courts—a scene that shocked classmates and faculty alike.
Classes were abruptly canceled, and grief rippled across the tight-knit community. Many students said the news left them feeling both heartbroken and fearful.
“For me, as a Black student, hearing that this happened to another Black student makes me feel unsafe,” said classmate Stacie Hoskins. Another student, Eriana Murphy, echoed the unease: “I walk to class and I like to walk the track. It would be nice to know what happened.”
Authorities Say No Foul Play—But Families Push Back
Bolivar County Coroner Randolph Seals Jr. confirmed that Reed’s body showed no external injuries typically associated with an assault. There were no fractures, lacerations, or signs of blunt force trauma.
Campus Police Chief Michael Peeler also stated investigators have found no evidence of foul play. Officials are waiting for additional findings from the medical examiner before releasing further details.
But for Reed’s family, those statements are far from enough. His cousin urged the public not to let the case be dismissed quietly:
“Please, do your own research on this. Do not let them sweep nothing under the rug. Enough is enough.”
We've been retained by the family of Demartravion "Trey" Reed — the 21-year-old Delta State University student whose body was found hanging from a tree.
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) September 16, 2025
Trey was a young man full of promise and warmth, deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. His family and the campus… pic.twitter.com/aaE88MRy0G
Enter Attorney Ben Crump
On September 16, nationally renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced he had been retained by Reed’s family. Known for representing the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and others, Crump has become a leading voice for justice in cases where racial injustice and unexplained deaths collide.
In a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter), Crump wrote:
“We’ve been retained by the family of De’Martravion ‘Trey’ Reed — the 21-year-old Delta State University student whose body was found hanging from a tree. Trey was a young man full of promise and warmth, deeply loved and respected by all who knew him. His family and the campus community deserve a full, independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened. We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain.”
A Painful History in Mississippi
For many, Reed’s death carries a chilling historical echo. Mississippi has one of the most painful legacies of racial terror and lynching in America. The image of a young Black man found hanging in 2025 reopens old wounds—and raises urgent questions about whether history is repeating itself in modern forms.
Even without confirmed evidence of foul play, the symbolism of Reed’s death has struck a nerve across the nation. Civil rights advocates argue that a thorough, transparent investigation is the only way to honor Reed’s life and protect future students.
Who Was Trey Reed?
Reed’s family described him as a “quiet light,” someone who radiated kindness and compassion.
“Trey was our little quiet light,” his family wrote in a statement. “He was sweet, well-mannered, and would give you the world if he could. We ask that you continue to keep our family in your prayers as we navigate these unforeseen times.”
For classmates, Reed was more than just a student—he was a symbol of possibility and potential, whose life was cut far too short.
The Bigger Fight for Justice
With Ben Crump now leading the legal fight, Reed’s case is expected to draw national attention and scrutiny. Crump’s involvement often brings media visibility, political pressure, and, in some cases, federal oversight.
The Reed family says their fight is about more than answers. It’s about ensuring Trey’s life is not forgotten and that his death receives the seriousness it deserves.
What Happens Next?
- The medical examiner’s official findings are still pending.
- Crump’s team is expected to push for an independent investigation.
- Vigils and protests are being planned by students and activists demanding answers.
For now, the Delta State community sits in grief—and in waiting.
Final Thoughts
The death of De’Martravion “Trey” Reed is more than a campus tragedy—it’s a story that touches on America’s deepest scars and its ongoing fight for justice.
With Ben Crump stepping in, the case has moved from local heartbreak to a national conversation about race, history, and accountability.
As Reed’s family put it best: “Enough is enough.”
