Cleveland, Mississippi, September 16, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident occurred at Delta State University when 21-year-old student Demartravion Reed was found dead near the campus pickleball courts. Preliminary investigations suggest suicide, prompting the cancellation of university events and classes as the community mourns. The university is offering counseling support to affected students and staff, emphasizing mental health resources during this difficult time while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Reed’s death.
Cleveland, Mississippi – A tragic incident unfolded at Delta State University as 21-year-old student Demartravion “Trey” Reed was found dead on the campus on Monday, September 15. His body was discovered hanging from a tree near the DSU pickleball courts at approximately 7:05 a.m. While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary findings from local authorities suggest that Reed’s death is likely a suicide, and there is no evidence of foul play. The Bolivar County coroner’s office has retrieved Reed’s body, although the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
The DSU President Dan Ennis announced that Reed’s family has been notified of the incident. The decision to publicly release Reed’s name was notable as the university typically refrains from disclosing the identities of individuals involved in suicide cases. This incident transpired amidst the university’s centennial celebrations, which led to the cancellation of all planned events, including an opening ceremony and a time capsule ceremony. As a direct response to the tragedy, classes were canceled for the day, with no immediate decisions made regarding the resumption of classes in subsequent days.
While campus police reported that there was no need to lockdown the campus, as it posed no threat to other students or the surrounding community, the university has taken proactive measures by offering counseling and support services through the O.W. Reily Counseling Center to assist students, faculty, and staff affected by this heartbreaking event.
Following Reed’s death, it was reported that a video of the incident circulated on social media, which raised significant privacy concerns for Reed’s family. They have requested the removal of the video. Furthermore, some social media rumors have linked Reed’s death to racial violence. However, these claims were dismissed by the Bolivar County Deputy Coroner, who stated that there was no evidence to support any violent acts associated with the tragedy. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is currently assisting in the ongoing investigation into Reed’s death to uncover any additional circumstances surrounding this event.
The impact of Reed’s loss has been profound within the DSU community, which consists of around 2,700 students. Many are expressing deep sadness and grief, highlighting the emotional toll this incident has taken on students and staff alike. The atmosphere on campus has shifted dramatically, overshadowing what would have been a time of celebration for the institution’s centennial.
Background Context
Delta State University, located in Cleveland, Mississippi, has a student body of approximately 2,700 individuals enrolled in various programs at the university. The campus community prides itself on its supportive environment, highlighting the importance of mental health resources available to students. The O.W. Reily Counseling Center, which has been activated in light of Reed’s death, is a key resource for providing psychological support, counseling, and intervention services to the university population.
Despite the somber circumstances, DSU continues to emphasize the availability of mental health resources to ensure that all affected parties have adequate support during this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Demartravion Reed at Delta State University?
Demartravion Reed, a 21-year-old student, was found dead hanging from a tree on the Delta State University campus on September 15. Preliminary findings suggest suicide with no evidence of foul play.
Are counselors available for students affected by this incident?
Yes, Delta State University has activated counseling and support services through the O.W. Reily Counseling Center for students, faculty, and staff affected by the incident.
Will classes resume at Delta State University following the incident?
Classes were canceled on the day of Reed’s death, but no decisions regarding the resumption of classes in the following days have been made yet.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Student | Demartravion “Trey” Reed |
| Date of Incident | September 15, 2023 |
| Location of Incident | DSU campus near pickleball courts |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; preliminary conclusion suggests suicide |
| Support Available | Counseling services via O.W. Reily Counseling Center |
| Effect on University Events | Centennial celebrations canceled |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Delta State University Student Found Dead on Campus
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Body Found at Delta State University
- Live Mint: Who is Trey Reed?
- Times Now News: Delta State University Student Death
- Complex: Body of Black Student Found
- Rolling Out: Death at Delta State University
- Wikipedia: Delta State University
- Google Search: Delta State University student death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
- Google News: Delta State University
- Google Scholar: Delta State University
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