Trey Reed 'cousin' statement reveals shocking details about racial violence, past harassment. Here's what he said over Delta State University student's death
Trey Reed’s death at Delta State University has led to serious claims by a person identifying as his cousin. The cousin alleged racial violence, disputed suicide reports, and called for accountability. Authorities, however, stated there was no evi...

Trey Reed 'cousin' statement reveals shocking details
A person identifying as Trey Reed’s cousin shared a video online after his death at Delta State University. The statement alleged racial violence and questioned official reports about his cause of death.Family member claims racial violence
The TikTok video was posted a day after Reed’s body was discovered hanging from a tree on the Delta State campus. The person claiming to be his cousin said Reed was not a suicide victim but had injuries, including broken arms and a leg. According to the cousin, these injuries raised doubts about the university’s version of events.The cousin also recalled an earlier incident five years ago when Reed allegedly faced racial harassment at the university. Reports said staff tried to confine him without reason, which led to nine months of probation.
Also Read: Justice for Trey Reed trends on social media: What happened at Delta State University campus? Here's what investigators say about brutal death
Previous campus incidents mentioned
The cousin claimed Reed was almost accused of a hate crime by people with a history of racist, transphobic, and homophobic behavior. Other students defended him at the time, preventing disciplinary action. However, the cousin said university authorities ignored Reed’s complaints about the incident.The video ended with a warning that the university’s alleged racist practices should be investigated. The cousin urged the public not to allow officials to dismiss these claims.
Delta State University cancels events
Following the discovery of Reed’s body, Delta State canceled all public and centennial events scheduled for that day. The centennial ceremonies were to include an opening event at 1 p.m. and a time capsule ceremony at 3 p.m.Classes were canceled, and the university announced support services for students. The Office of Student Affairs made peer counseling available at the H.L. Nowell Student Union. Prayer and meditation opportunities were also offered at Lena Sillers Chapel.
Coroner releases findings
The Bolivar County Coroner’s office issued a statement confirming Reed’s death on Sept. 15. The office said Reed was found unresponsive, hanging from a tree on the Cleveland campus. Officials said their preliminary investigation showed no signs of assault, broken bones, or injuries linked to physical violence.The coroner added that Reed’s body would be sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy. Authorities maintained that the cause of death appeared to be suicide.
Also Read: Is Delta State University campus safe after Demartravion Trey Reed is found hanging from tree? Full details on investigation and campus response
Police and university response
Delta State University police chief Michael L. Peeler said Reed’s death was suicide and no foul play was involved. He added that there was no threat to campus safety, and no lockdown was imposed.University president Dan Ennis said counseling and clergy support would be increased for students and staff. Security presence on campus was also strengthened. Ennis said there was no evidence suggesting the campus was unsafe.
The university extended condolences to Reed’s family and friends, confirming that his death deeply impacted the community. Officials said centennial activities would be rescheduled, though no date has been set.
Conflicting accounts raise questions
While authorities described Reed’s death as suicide, social media posts and the cousin’s video continue to dispute those findings. Many online users claimed Reed had severe injuries inconsistent with suicide. The coroner’s office, however, denied those claims.The incident has sparked wider discussions about racism, safety, and accountability at Delta State University. The investigation remains ongoing.
FAQs
What did Trey Reed’s cousin claim about his death?
A person claiming to be Trey Reed’s cousin said he had broken bones and past experiences of racial harassment, disputing official claims that his death was suicide.What did Delta State University officials say about the incident?
Delta State officials and the county coroner said Trey Reed committed suicide, denying claims of physical assault or broken bones, while providing counseling services and canceling centennial events.The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.