Colin Kaepernick will provide Trey Reed with an independent autopsy as his family challenged the official discovery of the death of Delta State student.
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Colin Kaepernick walks into the problem place. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump confirmed Friday that the former NFL quarterback will pay for an independent autopsy for a 21-year-old Delta State student, Demartravion “Trey” Reed.
Reed’s body was hung from a tree near the DSU pickle court on the morning of September 15, according to university officials. When law enforcement began the investigation, the course for the day was cancelled. Police said there was no evidence to suggest a foul, but Reed’s family overturned it with conflicting details about his death.
The Mississippi Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an initial autopsy on September 17, ruling that the death was committed by hanging himself. Toxicological results are waiting, which can take weeks. Still, Reed’s family requested a second test, which Kaepernick will cover up through his Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Program, which aims to give families independent forensic reviews.
“Trey’s death evokes the collective memory of a community that has suffered historic wounds over many years and many people die,” Krup said in a statement. “Peace can only be achieved through the realization of truth. We thank Colin Kaepernick for supporting this sad family and the causes of justice and truth.”
The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office also stressed that its investigation is still active and early findings show that Reed was not attacked before his death. Several agencies, including the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, joined the investigation. The investigation material was reportedly forwarded to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for review.
The refusal of the family to release Reed’s official autopsy report further exacerbated family uneasiness. Krup said their pursuit of the answer has about one more situation—it touches on the legacy of distrust between the black community and the institutions that history has made them fail.
Currently, Reed’s family is waiting for a second autopsy, hoping they can clarify what happened to their son. Kaepernick’s support puts the tragedy in the wider spotlight as a sad family and alert community seeks the truth in a situation of uncertainty.
