Mystery as dead body found hanging from tree at a university

Demartravion Reed’s body was found in the middle Delta State University on Monday morning (Picture: Grenada School District)

A student was discovered dead hanging from a tree in the middle of a university in the Mississippi Delta.

The body of Demartravion ‘Trey’ Reed, 21, was found on Monday at Delta State University’s central campus, said its director of public safety, Mike Peeler.

‘University Police was notified of what appeared to be the body of a Black male hanging from a tree (at) central campus near the DSU pickleball course,’ he stated.

‘Delta State University is deeply saddened to confirm the discovery of the deceased individual on our campus this morning.’

Delta State’s University police chief Mike Peeler said officers discovered the body around 7am on Monday (Picture: Facebook/Delta State University)

Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark said he ‘saw no broken limbs’.

‘I don’t think I should probably discuss this any further than that, my opinion is that it was self-done, and I have reasons for that,’ Roark told the Mississippi Free Press.

The campus was not placed on a lockdown and foul play is not suspected.

‘I just want to confirm, this is a safe campus. Delta State University is a beautiful place to be,’ Peeler said. 

Delta State University is a public 4-year institution in the heart of the Mississippi Delta (Picture: Facebook/Delta State University)

‘It’s just unfortunate this loss that comes heavily to our campus.’

The university canceled classes and festivities around its 100th anniversary until further notice. The opening ceremony for the celebration was supposed to start on Monday afternoon.

It plans to resume its operations as usual as soon as possible, according to university president Daniel Ennis.

‘Our community is deeply saddened by this loss and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all those impacted by Trey’s loss,’ said Ennis.

‘The university will share updates when appropriate, we ask for your compassion and patience during this difficult time.’

A prayer service is being organized for Reed and the Lena Sillers Chapel is open for prayers.

The university has asked the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies to help with an investigation into Reed’s death.

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