Lawyers for the family of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a Delta State University student, say law enforcement initially told them he had died in his dorm room—a claim that contradicts later reports placing Reed’s body at an outdoor campus location.

Reed, 21, was found hanging from a tree near the university’s pickleball courts on the morning of Monday, September 15, in Cleveland, Mississippi. According to Vanessa J. Jones, the attorney representing Reed’s family, the Grenada County Sheriff’s Department initially informed the family that Reed “was found dead in his dorm room, in his bed,” as reported by the Mississippi Free Press.

Reed’s grandfather, J.B. Reed, told ABC affiliate WAPT that a Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department official told the family that Reed had died by suicide, leaving no room for ambiguity. “He didn’t even say possible suicide, he said suicide,” J.B. Reed said.

Delta State University’s Director of Public Safety, Mike Peeler, addressed the discrepancy during a press conference on Wednesday, September 17, noting that he was not aware of any calls Reed’s grandfather received. Jones has urged the university to release surveillance footage from campus cameras that could provide clarity on Reed’s movements and the circumstances surrounding his death.

“The family does not know exactly what happened on September 15, 2025,” Jones said, according to WAPT. “We are seeking answers. If this young man was on the campus of Delta State University with all these cameras and all this modern technology, from the moment he left his dorm room or entered the campus, there should be surveillance of all his actions. That’s what we want.”

Peeler confirmed that surveillance videos exist and are currently in the hands of the investigative team, though he did not provide details about the content of the footage.

Requests for comment from the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office, the Grenada Police Department, and Delta State University were not immediately returned. The Grenada County Sheriff’s Office website was down at the time of inquiry.

Reed’s family has retained civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump, who issued a statement emphasizing the student’s promise and impact. “Demartravion was full of promise and warmth, deeply loved and respected by all who knew him,” Crump said. “His family and the campus community deserve a full, independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened. We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain.”

Crump further promised to lead a team of civil rights leaders in pursuing transparency and accountability. “I stand with this family, and I will lead a team of civil rights leaders and organizations in pursuing transparency and answers for Trey’s family,” he said, calling for a “thorough and transparent investigation” into Reed’s death.

Speculation on social media has suggested that Reed may have had pre-existing injuries, including two broken legs, that would have made hanging himself unlikely, according to The Clarion Ledger. However, Peeler, citing statements from university officials, said there is no evidence of foul play and that campus safety is not currently at risk.

The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office conducted a preliminary examination of Reed’s body and reported no evidence of assault. “The individual did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault,” the coroner’s office said. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death.”

During Wednesday’s press conference, Peeler reiterated that authorities do not suspect foul play but confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. Delta State University President Daniel Ennis acknowledged the emotional impact of Reed’s death, noting its resonance across the campus, state, and nation.

“While the preliminary report of the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office indicates no evidence of foul play, we recognize that this is not only about facts,” Ennis said. “It’s about emotions, and it’s about feelings.”

Reed’s body has been sent to the state medical examiner’s office for autopsy, with preliminary results expected within the coming days.

For those struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or substance use, or for anyone needing to talk, assistance is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 or via chat at 988lifeline.org.