Love After Tragedy: The Trey Reed Community Response

The reactions to the sudden and tragic death on campus of Delta State University student Demartravion “Trey” Reed were a mixture of horror and sadness from his friends and family. What followed were early investigative conclusions and a growing community demand for clarity.

What Happened and Early Conclusions

The reactions to the sudden and tragic death on campus of Delta State University student, Demartravion “Trey” Reed, hanging from a tree on September 15th, were a mixture of horror and sadness from his friends and family. When investigators arrived, foul play wasn’t determined and was deemed a suicide, with the coroner seeing no signs of bruises or scars. Reed’s family, as well as other members of the community, opposed this, pointing to visible injuries on his body, including a twisted leg, insisting there’s more to Reed’s death than a suicide. People have also criticized online how rushed the investigation seemed and how callous and uncaring the police officers were when talking about the victim and his grieving family.

Second Autopsy and Narrative Shift

After a commission of a second post-mortem by Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative, the narrative changed exponentially. According to sources working closely with the family, there was significant blunt force trauma to the back of Trey’s head as well as twisted arms and legs. This not only showed more care and respect to him and his grieving family, but it also gave more information for people that are curious and want to learn more and show support to the family.

Community Vigil and Family Voices

The memorial gathering brought together family, friends, classmates, and supporters to honor Trey and to speak to the community’s grief and solidarity.

Words From the Field and the Family

On September 20th, Trey’s funeral began and two of his relatives stood at the center of the track encircling the football field, with candles spelling out his name. The family then spoke to the crowd, “We stand here today collectively to represent the Reed, Tillman and King family,” one relative said. “We do want to thank you all for coming out…we have gathered family, friends, classmates and even those that love the immediate family…Everyone loved Trey, and we want to thank you all for coming out here tonight, showing solidarity. It’s a trying time for everyone.”

One family member named Shonda added, “We just ask you to continue to keep the Reed, King, Tillman family in your prayers as we navigate this new life without Trey. Thank you guys again for coming to be with us today as we stay ignited, as we work through this together.” This not only showed togetherness in the face of traged,y but it also showed Trey was well-liked by his colleagues and that it was only the beginning of the support for Reed and his family.

Broader Meaning and Calls for Change

The case has stirred conversation about racial violence and accountability while also underscoring a community’s resolve to seek truth and offer support.

Why This Matters Now

While it’s tragic and downright deplorable that another death happened in order to talk about an important topic in our world such as racial violence, it also showed people want this world to change for the better and the love of Trey Reed will never stop due to his wonderful family and their supporters. To end things on a more positive note, more leads on Trey’s death have been showing, and the support is going to continue at an upcoming rally at Delta State University this weekend. In conclusion, let’s show support to the Reed family as they go through this difficult time and that racial violence is not something and will never be something that can be swept under the rug.

For reflections on steady compassion in hard times, see Self-Kindness & Personal Growth and how small acts strengthen communities in The Science of Kindness.

Works Cited

The following sources were referenced to inform and support this article.

Articles and Coverage

• Dankins, Pam. “Family of Delta State University student found hanging in MS holds vigil. See what was said.” Oak Ridger, 20 September 2025
• Crisnel. “Trey Reed Case Update: Kaepernick-Funded Autopsy Confirms It Wasn’t Suicide — What Really Happened?” International Business Times, 6 October 2025
• Broadnex, Jamie. “Second Autopsy Reveals Shocking New Details in Trey Reed Case.” Black Girl Nerds, Oct 3rd 2025
• Wright, Maklah. “Lynching In Modern America: The Death Of Trey Reed And The Fight For Truth.” Girls United, October 15th 2025
• Bolden, Bonnie; Dankins, Pam; Reiley, Ross. “Family of Trey Reed, New Black Panthers say his death was a lynching, will rally at DSU soon.” Clarion Ledger, October 17th 2025

For practical ways to sustain community care, visit 10 Simple Ways to Practice Self-Kindness.