Black Student Found Hung At Delta State University

Delta State University is reeling after the death of 21-year-old Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a student from Grenada, Mississippi, whose body was found hanging from a tree on campus early Monday morning.

University police discovered Reed near the pickleball courts around 7 a.m. on September 15. While investigators say the incident does not appear to involve foul play, the official cause of death will be determined by the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office following an autopsy. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is assisting campus police in the case.

University Police Chief Mike Peeler emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the community: “I just want to confirm, this is a safe campus. Delta State University is a beautiful place to be. It’s just unfortunate this loss that comes heavily to our campus.”

Classes were briefly paused, but the school did not enter lockdown.

University President Daniel Ennis later offered condolences to Reed’s family and acknowledged the weight of the tragedy. “This is a devastating moment for the Delta State community,” he said, adding that the university is still reviewing when to fully resume classes.

Across campus and on social media, students and faculty remembered Reed as a young man full of promise. Counselors were made available to help the community process the shock and grief.

The tragedy has also reignited conversations about mental health on college campuses—particularly at smaller institutions where resources can be scarce. Advocates are urging schools to treat mental health with the same urgency as academics and campus safety, noting that tragedies like this underscore just how vital those supports are.

As the investigation continues, Delta State now faces the task of honoring Reed’s life while holding space for its students to heal. For many, the hope is that his memory will push the university community toward deeper care, connection, and support for one another.