Trey Reed’s Death Ruled a Suicide Following Autopsy

Authorities have released the results of the autopsy performed on Demartravion “Trey” Reed.

Reed, 21, was found dead hanging from a tree on the campus of Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss., on Monday, Sept. 15. The young man was a student at the school.

The Cleveland Police Department announced in a news release on Thursday, Sept. 18, that the autopsy determined Reed died by suicide.

Police said the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s autopsy findings are “consistent with the initial investigation, determining the cause of death to be hanging and the manner of death as suicide.”

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Reed’s family and friends during this very difficult time,” said Cleveland Police Chief Travis Tribble in a statement. “We want to encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help.”

“My condolences go out to the family of Trey Reed and all who knew and loved him,” Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said in a statement. “I also applaud the quick work by the Cleveland Police Department, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and Delta State University to bring closure to his family, and I condemn the rumors circulating regarding his death.”

Final toxicology results may take two to four weeks to be completed, police said.

Police and lawyers for Reed’s family did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Delta State’s Director of Public Safety Mike Peeler previously said there was no evidence of foul play in connection with Reed’s death.

The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office previously said in a statement that Reed “did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault,” according to the Clarion Ledger.

“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death,” they added.

Concerns have been raised about the handling of this case. Vanessa J. Jones, a lawyer representing Reed’s family, said the Grenada County Sheriff’s Department “informed the family that Trey was found dead in his dorm room, in his bed,” according to the Mississippi Free Press.

Reed’s grandfather J.B. Reed said the comment was made by a member of the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department, according to ABC affiliate WAPT. He added that the official he spoke with “didn’t even say possible suicide, he said suicide.”

“The family does not know exactly what happened on Sept. 15, 2025,” Jones said, according to the outlet. “We are seeking answers.”

When asked about the discrepancy about where Reed’s body was found at a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 17, Peeler said he did not have knowledge of any calls Reed’s grandfather received.

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In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Crump said Reed was “full of promise and warmth, deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.”

“His family and the campus community deserve a full, independent investigation to uncover the truth about what happened,” Crump stated. “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,” he added, calling for a “thorough and transparent investigation” into Reed’s death.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.