De’martravion “Trey” Reed hung dead on a tree near the Kimchi Stadium at Delta State University early Monday morning (September 15), raising immediate attention and online outcry.
Nonetheless, the preliminary ruling of the Bolivar County coroner said there was no sign of physical attack.
A 21-year-old student from Grenada, Mississippi was found around 7:30 a.m. and by 8 a.m., the coroner’s office had arrived and announced he was dead at the scene.
“Based on preliminary examinations, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any cuts, contusions, compound fractures, fractures or injuries consistent with the attack. At this time, there is currently no evidence that the person was physically attacked before his death,” the office said in a statement released Tuesday.
The coroner’s discovery was that as the tag “Trey Reed’s Justice” continued to trend on social media, many people called for transparency and answers to Reed’s death.
His body has been sent to the Mississippi Crime Laboratory for autopsy.
Delta State President Daniel Ennis talks about the coroner’s statement and ongoing investigation.
“Delta State University is aware of the statement issued overnight by the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office,” Ennis said. “We continue to work with law enforcement to conduct the investigation. Our focus remains on supporting Trey’s family, friends and Delta State community as we continue to grieve this loss together.”
Reed’s mother told local media that she last talked to her son on Friday and said he was looking forward to his time in college. She added that she still has many unresolved questions about what happened.
On Monday, the Delta State campus in Cleveland, Mississippi canceled classes and provided consulting services to students and staff.
University officials reiterated that there was no sign of foul or a threat to campus safety.
Bolivar County coroner Randolph Rudy sealed the seal, expressed condolences to Reed’s family and urged the public to give investigators time to determine the facts.
As of Tuesday, the investigation remained active, while authorities awaited autopsy results.