Body of Black Student Found Hanging from Tree on College Campus

A Black student was found dead hanging from a tree on a college campus in Mississippi. Police have said no foul play was involved, despite online rumors suggesting otherwise.

The body of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, of Grenada, was found on the Cleveland campus of Delta State University (DSU) on Monday, Sept. 15, according to a statement shared on Facebook by university officials.

Delta State’s Director of Public Safety Mike Peeler said the body was found hanging from a tree near the central campus pickleball courts just after 7 a.m. local time, according to NBC affiliate WLBT and ABC affiliate WAPT.

Several social media posts have alleged that Reed had two broken legs and additional injuries that would have made it impossible for him to hang himself, according to the Clarion Ledger.

However, Peeler has stated that there is no evidence of foul play in connection with Reed’s death, according to the statement from university officials. He also claimed there is no ongoing threat to campus safety.

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

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

Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark told the Mississippi Free Press that he “saw no broken limbs” on Reed, but did not elaborate due to the ongoing investigation.

“I don’t think I should probably discuss this any further than that, my opinion is that it was self-done, and I have reasons for that,” Roark said.

The BCCO, Bolivar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and DSU did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

Classes and centennial events at DSU were canceled on Monday, according to WAPT.

The BCSO, the BCCO, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and Cleveland Police Department are assisting with the investigation into Reed’s death, according to the statement shared by university officials.

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Counseling and support services have been made available to students and faculty at DSU following Reed’s death, according to university officials.

“Our community is deeply saddened by this loss,” University President Dr. Dan Ennis said in a statement. “I have spoken to Trey’s family and expressed our heartbreak.”