Who was Trey Reed? Delta State student remembered after tragic death on campus; family remembers 'our little quiet light'

NEW DELHI: The sudden death of 21-year-old Demartravion “Trey” Reed has cast a shadow over Delta State University in Mississippi, where the young student’s body was found hanging from a tree on campus.

According to Delta State University Police Chief Michael Peeler, officers were alerted around 7:05 am to a body near the school’s pickleball courts.

Reed, a Black student, was identified shortly after. Investigators said there was no immediate evidence of foul play, though the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation , Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office, and Cleveland Police Department have joined the probe, Newsweek reported.

Deputy Coroner Murray Roark told the Mississippi Free Press that Reed’s death appeared to be self-inflicted and dismissed rumors circulating online that the student’s limbs had been broken. “I saw no broken limbs,” Roark said, adding that he had “reasons” to believe it was “self-done,” but declined to elaborate while the investigation is ongoing.

Reed’s family described him as gentle and generous. In a statement to Jackson’s 16 WAPT News, they said, “Trey was our little quiet light. He was sweet, well mannered, and would give you the world if he could. We ask that you continue to keep our family in your prayers as we continue to navigate through these unforeseen times.”

Delta State University President Dr Dan Ennis said the school was “deeply saddened by this loss,” and confirmed that he had spoken directly with Reed’s family. The university closed its campus and canceled several centennial events in the wake of the tragedy.

Chief Peeler said the incident had no signs of posing a threat to the wider campus community but acknowledged the deep grief left behind. “It’s unfortunate, this loss that comes heavy to our campus,” he said.