Trey Reed death case: Who is Ben Crump and what is his link to the dead Delta State University student?

Ben Crump, the nationally acclaimed civil rights attorney known for representing families in major cases such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, has been retained by the family of Trey Reed, a 21-year-old Black student found hanging from a tree on the Delta State University campus in Mississippi. Crump has vowed to lead a transparent, independent civil rights investigation into Reed’s death, working with the family’s demand for accountability and answers.

Crump is the founder and principal owner of Ben Crump Law PLLC, a prominent law firm based in Tallahassee, Florida. Over decades, he has built a reputation as “Black America’s Attorney General,” fighting systemic injustice through landmark civil rights cases that challenge police brutality, racial discrimination, and wrongful death.

Among his most notable victories, Crump has secured historic settlements for families impacted by injustice–including a $27 million settlement for George Floyd’s family, and $12 million for Breonna Taylor’s family. He also represented victims in the cases of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Ahmaud Arbery, and others who sparked nationwide movements for racial justice.

Ben Crump beyond litigation

Born on October 10, 1969, Benjamin Lloyd Crump graduated from Florida State University and earned his law degree from the FSU College of Law, where he later became the first African American to chair the Board of Directors.

Beyond successful litigation, Crump actively advocates for police reform, implicit bias training, and legislative changes aiming to prevent excessive use of force. His leadership roles include presidency of the National Civil Rights Trial Lawyers Association and historic chairmanship at Florida State University College of Law Board.

Crump’s influence extends into media and public education. He has produced acclaimed legal documentaries, contributed to major news platforms, and authored Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People, which reflects on systemic racial injustices in American courts.

Recognized with numerous honors such as the NAACP Thurgood Marshall Award and the Martin Luther King Jr. Servant Leader Award, he has been listed among TIME100’s Most Influential People of 2021 and Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 Most Influential African Americans.

Representing the Trey Reed family

In his most recent role, Crump has been retained by Trey Reed’s family to pursue an independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Reed’s death, which has prompted questions and public outcry. The family alleges inadequate communication and handling of the case by authorities and demands full accountability.

“We cannot accept vague conclusions when so many questions remain. I stand with this family, and I will lead a team of civil rights leaders and organizations in pursuing transparency and answers for Trey’s family,“ stated Crump in a social media statement.

Demartravion “Trey” Reed was a 21-year-old student at Mississippi’s Delta State University, found hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts on the campus early Monday, September 15, 2025. While university and police officials have stated there is no evidence of foul play and that Reed’s death is presumed a suicide, the family disputes this narrative and has requested an independent autopsy.