Delta State University has identified the body of a student who was found hanging from a tree Monday morning.
Demartravion Reed, 21, of Grenada was found after University Police were notified at approximately 7:05 a.m. of what appeared to be the body of a Black male hanging from a tree near the DSU pickleball courts in the central part of campus, said University Police Chief Michael Peeler during a press conference held at 2 p.m.
Reed was a student at Delta State.
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“At this time there is no evidence of foul play,” said Peeler.
The body was retrieved by the Bolivar County coroner’s office. Peeler requested the assistance of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office and the Cleveland Police Department in this ongoing investigation. Peeler said law enforcement will not have more information to share with the public until after further investigation and the report from the state medical examiner.
After the body was found, Delta State canceled classes and events scheduled.
“Our community is deeply saddened by this loss, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to families and friends and all those impacted by Trey’s loss,” said DSU President Daniel J. Ennis.
Ennis said DSU leadership will meet this afternoon to make a decision about whether classes and other events scheduled for the rest of this week will resume.
“There is no evidence of a threat to campus, and there is no evidence that the campus is unsafe, so I expect we will resume operations as quickly as possible,” he said.
Peeler added, “This a safe campus. Delta State is a beautiful place to be. It’s just unfortunate, this loss that comes heavily to our campus.”
Delta State said counselors and support services are available to students, faculty and staff through the O.W. Reilly Counseling Center.
