Loved ones congregated over the weekend to pay tribute to the life of a 21-year-old Black college student whose lifeless body was discovered on his university campus in Mississippi earlier this month. Demartravion “Trey” Reed was found hanging from a tree on the grounds of Delta State University (DSU) on the morning of Monday, September 15th. The news of his tragic death ignited a wave of outrage across the nation, as officials repeatedly asserted that there was no evidence of foul play in connection with Reed’s demise.
Reed’s funeral service took place on Saturday, September 27th, at Abundant Life Assembly of The Apostolic Faith in Grenada, and he was laid to rest shortly thereafter, as per his obituary. Throughout the service, Reed was remembered fondly by numerous loved ones, including his sister, who eloquently stated in her speech, “Though miles may separate us and time may keep us apart, know that you’re always close to my heart. Your laughter, your wisdom, your strength—they are all pillars of my life. In moments of joy and sorrow, you’ve been my rock, my confidante, my guide.”
“Your presence is a treasure I cherish deeply, and in your absence, I feel a void that only your love can fill. Though words may fail to express the depth of my affection, let them serve as a testament to the unbreakable bond we share,” she continued, adding, “Until we meet again, know that you are missed and you are loved, and you’re always in my thoughts with all my love.”
An autopsy conducted by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s office concluded that Reed, 21, died by suicide. However, his family has contested this finding. Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, previously announced that former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s “Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative” would cover the costs of an independent autopsy, according to a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
Shortly after Reed’s death was made public, several social media posts alleged that Reed had sustained two broken legs and additional injuries that would have rendered it impossible for him to hang himself, as reported by the Clarion Ledger. This claim was refuted by the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office (BCCO), which previously stated in a release that Reed “did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault,” the Ledger reported.
Delta State’s Director of Public Safety, Mike Peeler, has also affirmed that there is no evidence of foul play in connection with Reed’s death, according to a statement from the school. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Reed’s family and friends during this very difficult time,” said Cleveland Police Chief Travis Tribble in a statement following the release of Reed’s autopsy results. “We want to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help.”
However, Reed’s family has “raised serious concerns after receiving conflicting accounts and incomplete information about the circumstances of his death,” a representative for Crump’s office wrote in a release. “Trey’s death evoked the collective memory of a community that has suffered a historic wound over many, many years and many, many deaths. Peace will come only by getting to the truth,” the attorney wrote in a statement. “We thank Colin Kaepernick for supporting this grieving family and the cause of justice and truth.”
The Mississippi Clarion Ledger reported that those results have not yet been made public. In a previous statement obtained by PEOPLE, Crump described Reed as “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,” Crump said. “We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain.”
