The Delta State University community is grappling with shock and grief following the death of a 21-year-old student on campus early Monday morning.

University officials confirmed the student as Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a Grenada native, during a press briefing led by DSU President Daniel Ennis. “This is a heartbreaking moment for our university family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Trey’s loved ones and everyone affected by his passing,” Ennis said.

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Body Discovered Near Pickleball Courts

According to campus security, a call was placed to University Police at approximately 7:05 a.m., reporting a young Black male found unresponsive near the pickleball courts at the heart of campus.

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Chief of Public Safety Michael L. Peeler told reporters that Reed was discovered hanging from a tree. “Next of kin have been informed, and at this point, there is no indication of foul play,” he stated. Reed’s remains were transferred to the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office, with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department, and the Cleveland Police Department as part of ongoing inquiries.

Trey Reed was lynched on Delta State University campus and nobody is talking about it.

— 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙗𝙞𝙚 ✿ (@mattelmuse) September 15, 2025

a black man was found “hanging” from a tree at delta state university in Mississippi .

and they’re really trying to say it was suic*de …

— ke 💕 (@glizzyke) September 15, 2025

anywys rest in peace to trey reed a black student at delta state university, a PWI btw who was found hanging aka LYNCHED on campus and the police are claiming it was a fucking suicide. https://t.co/YMQS6wMnTa

— edm dj dolly (@dawllyana) September 15, 2025

TREYVON REED: Today #TreyReed was found lynched hanging from a tree. Body discovered at the pickleball courts at Delta State University in Mississippi. Both his arms and leg were fractured. Police say it may be a suicide
.#ModernDayLynching@dijoni @HarrietEve9 @The_Real_Yay pic.twitter.com/Jmfdlsqvw0

— worldwide (@fromabovewithin) September 15, 2025

A black child was seen hanging from a tree at Delta State University in Mississippi… HE WAS LYNCHED!

— Nikki G. (@bynikkig) September 15, 2025

CLEVELAND, MISSISSIPPI — A Delta State University student was discovered on campus hanging from a tree with a rope around the neck on Monday, September 15, according to school and law enforcement officials….

The cause of death is unknown…

The university said that student was… pic.twitter.com/U2sDW0ID1U

— HarrietEve9 (@HarrietEve9) September 15, 2025

Officials at Delta State University announced Monday afternoon that the student found hanging from a tree on campus was identified as Demartravion Reed.
No foul play is suspected at this time. pic.twitter.com/cOIPAcgIQo

— SuperTalk Mississippi (@supertalk) September 15, 2025

A student was found hung at Delta State University this morning. A few of yall have reached out to me because of my proximity and I’m grateful for that. Things have the potential of getting pretty bad as details are released. Please keep the family lifted in prayer.

— Juke Joint Jezebel (@TeamKatisha) September 15, 2025

A black man, Demartravion Reed, was found lynched on Delta State University campus and police are already saying that foul play is not suspected… Black men are NOT going to kill themselves by hanging from a fucking tree given the history of our people.

— ¡ Project Princess ! (@beautifultionni) September 15, 2025

 

Campus Activities Halted Amid Investigation

The tragedy occurred as Delta State prepared to launch centennial celebrations, forcing the university to call off scheduled ceremonies and all classes for the day. A time capsule opening and other events that were slated for Monday were also postponed.

President Ennis emphasized that while the death is under investigation, there is currently no evidence of any threat to the wider campus. “I want to reassure our students, faculty, and staff that the campus remains safe,” he said. Decisions regarding the resumption of classes and activities later in the week are expected following further review.

Support for Students and Staff

The university announced that counseling and mental health support are being made available through the O.W. Reily Counseling Center, alongside peer support stations at the H.L. Nowell Student Union. Opportunities for prayer and quiet reflection have also been opened at Lena Sillers Chapel.

In a written statement, DSU leadership expressed condolences: “Our community is deeply saddened by this loss. We are committed to standing with Trey’s family, friends, and the student body during this painful time.”

A Difficult Day for Delta State

With roughly 2,700 students enrolled, Delta State University has been preparing to mark 100 years since its founding in 1925. Instead, the campus now finds itself mourning the sudden loss of one of its own, as students and faculty navigate grief during what was meant to be a celebratory week.

Authorities said they will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

Delta State University Student Death FAQ – Trey Reed

Delta State University (DSU) is mourning the death of 21-year-old student Demartravion “Trey” Reed, found unresponsive near the campus pickleball courts. This FAQ addresses common questions, updates, and resources for students, faculty, families, and the wider community.

1. Who was Demartravion “Trey” Reed?

Demartravion “Trey” Reed was a 21-year-old student at Delta State University and a native of Grenada. He was enrolled at DSU during its centennial year celebrations.

2. How did Trey Reed die?

Trey Reed was discovered hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts on campus around 7:05 a.m. on Monday morning. Authorities report no immediate evidence of foul play, but the incident is under investigation.

3. When and where was Trey Reed found?

Campus security received a report at 7:05 a.m. about an unresponsive young Black male near the pickleball courts in the center of the Delta State University campus.

4. What is Delta State University saying about the death?

University President Daniel Ennis described the death as “heartbreaking” and emphasized that the campus remains safe. Counseling and mental health resources are being provided to students and staff. DSU leadership expressed condolences to Trey’s family and the university community.

5. Is foul play suspected in Trey Reed’s death?

Currently, there is no indication of foul play. Authorities, including the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department, and Cleveland Police Department, are conducting ongoing inquiries.

6. How is the university responding?

• Classes and scheduled activities for the day were cancelled.

• Centennial celebrations, including time capsule openings, were postponed.

• Counseling and mental health support are available via the O.W. Reily Counseling Center and peer support stations at the H.L. Nowell Student Union.

• Quiet reflection and prayer opportunities are offered at Lena Sillers Chapel.

7. Is the campus safe after this incident?

Yes. DSU officials have stated that the campus remains safe and there is no ongoing threat to students, faculty, or staff. Normal activities will resume once investigations and safety assessments are complete.

8. How are students coping with Trey Reed’s death?

Students and faculty are navigating grief, with counseling, peer support, and quiet reflection options provided. DSU is committed to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of the campus community.

9. Will Delta State University resume classes and events?

Decisions regarding the resumption of classes and campus activities will be made after further review and updates from authorities.

10. What resources are available for students who need support?

• O.W. Reily Counseling Center – professional counseling and mental health support.

• H.L. Nowell Student Union – peer support stations.

• Lena Sillers Chapel – prayer and quiet reflection opportunities.

• Students and staff are encouraged to reach out to these services for emotional support.

11. What impact does Trey Reed’s death have on DSU’s centennial celebrations?

The 100th anniversary events were postponed in light of the tragedy. University officials are working on rescheduling celebrations while prioritizing the safety and well-being of the DSU community.

12. Who should I contact for updates about the investigation?

Updates are provided by:

• Delta State University Administration

• Bolivar County Coroner’s Office

• Mississippi Bureau of Investigation

• Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department

• Cleveland Police Department

13. How can the public support Trey Reed’s family and the DSU community?

• Offering condolences and messages of support.

• Respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

• Utilizing and promoting mental health resources on campus.