• Delta State University student Demartravion “Trey” Reed was found hanging from a tree on campus Monday morning.
• Police say no foul play is suspected, though the investigation remains ongoing and details are scarce.
• The death has shocked the Mississippi campus community, sparking grief, questions, and calls for greater mental health support.

CLEVELAND, Miss. (TDR) — The quiet rhythm of life at Delta State University was shattered Monday morning when the body of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old African American student, was discovered hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts at the center of campus. Police confirmed Reed’s identity and said no foul play is suspected, though the investigation remains ongoing.

The Discovery

University police said officers responded at approximately 7:05 a.m. after a passerby reported a body on the grounds. Reed, a student from Grenada, Mississippi, was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities quickly secured the area, cordoned off the courts, and began interviewing potential witnesses.

In a statement released Monday afternoon, Delta State stressed that “there is no danger to the campus community,” adding that counselors have been made available to students and staff. The administration described Reed as “a valued member of our student body whose death leaves a profound void.”

An Ongoing Investigation

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

Although officials indicated that preliminary findings do not suggest foul play, Reed’s death remains under investigation by Delta State University Police in coordination with state authorities. An autopsy is scheduled, and toxicology reports will follow. Law enforcement has not ruled out suicide but has cautioned against speculation until more evidence is gathered.

The university noted that Reed’s family has been contacted and is cooperating with investigators.

Campus Reaction

The news spread quickly through the 3,000-student campus, leaving classmates and faculty stunned. Vigils and informal gatherings began Monday night, with peers leaving flowers and candles near the courts where Reed was found.

One student described him as “kind, ambitious, and someone who always lifted others up.” Social media tributes poured in from friends in Grenada and Cleveland, where Reed was active in student groups and campus recreation.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

The tragedy comes amid broader national conversations about mental health on college campuses, particularly among students of color who face unique pressures and cultural barriers to seeking help.

A Community in Mourning

Local clergy and community leaders in Cleveland urged compassion and patience as details emerge. “Right now, we grieve a young man whose life was cut short,” one pastor said. “We also must ensure our young people know they are not alone.”

Reed’s death has reverberated beyond Delta State. Alumni groups and advocacy organizations have expressed condolences while urging transparency in the investigation. Civil rights groups in Mississippi have also called for vigilance in reviewing the circumstances, citing the state’s painful racial history and the need to build trust between institutions and minority communities.

Broader Context

Mississippi has one of the highest suicide rates in the South, and health experts say young African American men remain a particularly vulnerable demographic. According to recent CDC data, rates of suicide among Black youth have increased significantly in the past decade, prompting calls for targeted interventions and culturally competent counseling.

Delta State officials acknowledged the urgency of these issues. “We are redoubling our commitment to provide comprehensive mental health services,” the university’s counseling center director said in a press release. “This tragedy underscores the need for proactive outreach.”

Questions That Linger

For now, uncertainty defines the moment. Why was Reed in the campus center before dawn? Were there signs of distress that went unnoticed? Could more have been done to prevent this tragedy? These questions loom large as investigators work and the community reflects.

University President Daniel Ennis urged students to “lean on each other” and to seek help when needed. “We must honor Trey’s memory by looking out for one another and ensuring that no one feels isolated or unseen,” Ennis said.

A Life Remembered

Reed, remembered for his laughter and generosity, had aspirations of pursuing a career in sports medicine. Friends said he loved basketball and mentoring younger students, often encouraging others to stay focused on their goals.

“He wanted to make his family proud,” one classmate said. “He was always talking about giving back to Grenada and helping kids like him who needed guidance.”

The Road Ahead

As Delta State mourns, attention now shifts to how the institution supports students in the wake of loss. Counseling services are extending hours, and faculty have been instructed to show flexibility as students process their grief.

Meanwhile, Reed’s family is planning services in Grenada, where community leaders say his memory will inspire renewed conversations about youth well-being and mental health resources.

The sudden loss of Trey Reed leaves a hole in the heart of Delta State — and a reminder that the struggles students carry often remain unseen until it is too late.

Follow The Wayne Dupree Show on YouTube

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10