Coroner says no evidence of assault after body found hanging on MS college campus

UPDATE: Lawyers representing the family of De’Martravion “Trey” Reed plan to hold a news conference at 4 p.m. Tuesday. It will be streamed live here.

“Given the multiple conflicting accounts of how Trey died, our law firm will begin our investigation by ordering an independent autopsy. Trey’s family is not willing to accept any cause of death until they have been presented with all of the facts that will be independently verified through our own investigation.” — Attorney Vanessa Jones

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CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Bolivar County coroner says a preliminary death investigation shows no sign of broken bones or evidence of an assault against a Delta State University (DSU) student whose body was found hanging from a tree Monday.

The body of De’Martravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old student from Grenada, Mississippi, was found around 7:30 a.m., hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts.

The county coroner’s office arrived around 8 a.m. and pronounced Reed dead.

“Based on the preliminary examination, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault,” the coroner’s office said in a statement released Tuesday. “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death.”

His remains will now go to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy.

Delta State officials said Monday there is no evidence suggesting any foul play in Reed’s death, and no threat to the campus. They are continuing to investigate.

Reed’s mother told WREG she has many questions about what happened because she spoke to her son on Friday, and he was excited to attend Delta State.

Bolivar County Coroner Randolph “Rudy” Seals Jr. offered his condolences to the family and asked for patience as agencies investigate facts.

The President of DSU, Daniel Ennis, issued a statement regarding the coroner’s report:

“Delta State University is aware of the statement released overnight by the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office. We continue to cooperate with law enforcement in their investigation. Our focus remains on supporting Trey’s family, friends, and the Delta State community as we continue to grieve this loss together.”