Delta State University tragedy: Body of 21-year-old student found hanging from tree, classes cancelled

A Mississippi University in the United States cancelled and events celebrating its 100th anniversary after a body was found on the campus. The body of a student, Demartravion “Trey” Reed, was found hanging from a tree on campus, Fox News reported.

The university officials said staff at Delta State University, a small campus in the rural town of Cleveland, discovered a body on campus on Monday morning. The 21-year-old from Grenada, Mississippi, was found in the central part of campus near the pickleball courts, according to University Police Chief Michael Peeler. He confirmed that Reed’s death is under investigation but said there is no evidence of foul play and no ongoing threat to campus safety.

Delta State University police chief Michael L. Peeler said during a press conference that 21-year-old student Demartravion "Trey" Reed committed suicide on the Cleveland campus Monday, Sept. 15, and there was no evidence of foul play involved.


"At approximately 7:05 a.m., university police was notified of what appeared to be the body of a black male hanging from a tree on central campus near the DSU pickleball courts," Peeler said.

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Classes cancelled at Delta State University

All classes and Centennial events to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary were canceled on Monday as authorities investigated. “At this time, we have no further details to share. Out of respect for the individual and their loved ones, we will refrain from additional comment until authorities release more information,” the school said.

It was not immediately clear whether the deceased individual was connected to the campus, either as a student or staff member. Authorities have not shared the cause or nature of the death. School officials said counseling and support services were being made available to students, faculty and staff on campus, according to The Independent.

While officials declined to share any additional information about the incident, they noted that the campus was safe. “We will share updates when appropriate and ask for your thoughts and compassion during this difficult time,” the school wrote.

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University issues statement

Delta State President Dr Dan Ennis said the community was “deeply saddened by this loss” and that he had spoken to Reed’s family to express the university’s “heartbreak.”

He added that counselling services were being made available to students, faculty and staff. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office, Cleveland Police Department, and the Bolivar County Coroner are all involved in the inquiry, with an autopsy set to be conducted.

The school community was preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary on Monday and had already canceled classes in anticipation of a full day of events. The milestone celebration was scheduled to feature a series of ceremonies, a reception, and a raffle giveaway, according to a Facebook event that has since been removed. It was not immediately clear whether the celebration would be rescheduled. Officials said further updates would be shared “when appropriate” and urged compassion for Reed’s loved ones during what they described as a “difficult time.”

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