The tragic death of De’Martravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Delta State University student, has ignited a storm of controversy after his family claims law enforcement initially misinformed them about the circumstances of his death.
Trey Reed’s body was discovered Monday on campus, hanging from a tree, according to police. Officials quickly stated that foul play was not suspected, and the Bolivar County coroner confirmed that Reed had no visible injuries such as cuts, bruises, fractures, or broken bones. Despite these statements, Reed’s family remains in the dark and deeply unsettled by conflicting accounts.
“The family still does not know exactly what happened to Trey. They are getting updates from the media, not from authorities,” said Vanessa Jones, the family’s attorney, in an interview with the Mississippi Free Press.
Conflicting Accounts Add to Family’s Pain
Jones alleges that the Grenada County Sheriff’s Department visited the Reed family home Monday morning and told them Trey had been found dead in his dorm in bed. Hours later, the family reportedly learned from media reports that Trey’s body had been found hanging in the center of campus.
Officials, however, deny the claim. The Grenada County Sheriff’s Department told the press that no one specified the location of Reed’s body to the family, fueling tension between the family and law enforcement.
“Delta State University and Bolivar County officials are leaving the family in the dark,” Jones added. “They deserve answers directly from those responsible, not through media reports.”
Calls for Transparency and an Independent Autopsy
The family’s attorney is demanding full transparency from both the university and law enforcement. Delta State President Dr. Dan Ennis has publicly stated that the university has been cooperating, but Jones disputes this, claiming university officials have yet to call Trey’s family directly.
Jones also emphasized the importance of seeing any video evidence from campus cameras, which authorities reportedly have, though it is unclear what the footage captures.
“We want an independent autopsy to ensure every detail is properly examined,” Jones said, highlighting the family’s desire for accountability and clarity.
The Mississippi State Medical Examiner is slated to conduct a full autopsy, though details on timing have not yet been released.
Community Response and Emotional Toll
Reed’s death has sent shockwaves through the Delta State University campus and the wider Mississippi community. Students, faculty, and alumni have expressed grief, confusion, and frustration at the lack of consistent information.
Many are questioning how such a tragic incident could occur on a university campus without clear communication to the family, fueling calls for stricter transparency protocols and stronger campus support for students.
The case is now under active investigation, but the Reed family is determined to get answers and ensure Trey’s death is treated with the seriousness it demands.
What’s Next
As the investigation continues, Trey’s family and legal team are pushing for:
- Direct updates from Delta State University and law enforcement
- Access to all campus surveillance footage related to the incident
- An independent autopsy to confirm the official cause of death
The case raises broader concerns about campus safety, communication, and accountability in tragic situations, emphasizing the need for families to be treated with respect and transparency.
What are your thoughts on the handling of Trey Reed’s death at Delta State? Should universities be required to notify families directly before media reports? Drop a comment below and stay tuned to The Pop Radar for updates on this developing story.