Editor’s Note: This article contains discussions of suicide. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can find resources in your area on the National Crisis Line website or by calling 988.
CLEVELAND, Miss. (WJTV) — De’Martravion “Trey” Reed, the Black student whose body was found hanging from a tree at Delta State University in Mississippi, died by suicide, according to autopsy findings released Thursday.
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.
As part of the investigation, police said all files and investigative material have been turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review.
Police said final toxicology results are pending and may take two to four weeks to complete.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Reed’s family and friends during this very difficult time. We want to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help,” said Cleveland Police Chief Travis Tribble.
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 about 30 minutes later 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.
Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., has called on the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI to launch an investigation into Reed’s death.
During a news conference with authorities on Wednesday, officials said they’re investigating video and that preliminary findings suggest no evidence of foul play.
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 the Human Resources Dept.