A Mississippi Community Is Stunned After a Black Student Was Found Hanging From a Tree

The news coming out of Delta State University has been stunning and confounding. Demartravion "Trey" Reed, a student at the school, was found hanging from a tree by a member of the faculty, and an investigation is underway into what happened to him and how he wound up in the tree.

Given that Delta State is in Cleveland, Miss., and that there's a long history of Black men being lynched in the deep South, many are understandably apprehensive about what Trey's death could mean. Here's what we know so far.

The university released a statement that a body had been found on campus on Sept. 15, although at the time it was unclear who it was.

"Earlier today, Delta State University staff discovered a deceased individual on campus," read the statement, in part. "University Police and local authorities were immediately notified and are conducting an active investigation. At this time, we have no further details to share."

The statement added that the campus community was "safe."

"Our community is deeply saddened by this loss," it continued. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends impacted. Counselors and support services are available to students, faculty, and staff through the O.W. Reilly Counseling Center. We will share updates when appropriate and ask for your thoughts and compassion during this difficult time. All Centennial events and classes for today have been canceled."

According to WAPT, Reed's body was found hanging on a tree near the pickleball courts by a faculty member around 7 a.m. on Sept. 15. We still don't know exactly what happened, but there were apparently no lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault on his body at the time.

"At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death," said Randolph Seals, Jr., the Bolivar County coroner.

While that might indicate that Trey was not lynched, we don't yet have a full picture of what happened, and the investigation into his death is ongoing. Understandably, the image is one that rattles other Black students on campus, who are well aware of the history of lynching associated with Mississippi and the South more generally.

"Well, because I am a Black student, hearing that happened to another Black student, it really makes me feel unsafe," DSU student Stacie Hoskins told WAPT.

"Trey was our little quiet light. He was sweet, well-mannered, and would give you the world if he could. We ask that you continue to keep our family in your prayers as we continue to navigate through these unforeseen times," his family added in a statement.

While we still don't know exactly what happened, this is a fragile moment in America, and incidents like this only aggravate things more. Until we know the details, though, it's important to let the investigators do their work and hope that they come to an honest conclusion.