Body of Black Student Found Hanging From Tree at Delta St…

A Black student from Delta State University was found hanging from a tree on campus Monday morning.

Demartravion “Trey” Reed, 21, has been identified as the person who was found dead shortly after 7 a.m., as reported by WAPT.

“At approximately 7:05 a.m., university police was notified of what appeared to be the body of a Black male hanging from a tree on central campus near the DSU pickleball courts,” Delta State University police chief Michael L. Peeler said during a press conference, according to The Clarion-Ledger.

Peeler said there has been no evidence of foul play, leading police to determine Reed committed suicide. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cleveland Police Department have been asked to assist with an investigation into Reed’s death.

“Our community is deeply saddened by this loss,” Delta State University president Daniel Ennis said in a statement. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those impacted by Trey’s loss.”

Ennis added that the university was never placed on lockdown following Reed’s death because there was “no evidence of a threat to campus” and “no evidence the campus is unsafe at this point.”

Classes and events celebrating the university’s centennial on Monday were canceled.