Black College Student Found Hanging Near Mississippi Campus
*As we reported earlier, De’Martravion “Trey” Reed was found dead near Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi on 09-15-25. The 21-year-old freshman was discovered hanging from a tree near the campus pickleball courts at 7:05 a.m.
Police and the Bolivar County Coroner quickly ruled it a suicide. A state autopsy confirmed hanging as the cause of death. Officials said they found no signs of foul play or external trauma.
However, Reed’s family is not convinced. They say early reports told them he was found in his dorm room—not outside. That conflicting detail, along with the speed of the ruling, has raised serious questions.
Family Hires Civil Rights Lawyer Ben Crump
The family hired attorney Ben Crump to lead their case. Crump is known for representing families in high-profile deaths like George Floyd and Tyre Nichols.
Scroll to continue reading
He called Reed’s death a painful reminder of Mississippi’s history. “Trey’s death evoked the memory of a community wounded by many years and many deaths,” Crump said. “Peace will come only by getting to the truth.”
The family wants answers backed by facts—not assumptions. They are demanding a second, independent autopsy.
Colin Kaepernick Pays for Second Autopsy
On Friday, September 19, Crump announced that Colin Kaepernick would fund the second autopsy. The former NFL quarterback is covering the cost through his Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative.
This nonprofit program provides free second autopsies to families of color. It was launched in 2017 to promote truth and accountability in cases with possible racial bias.
Kaepernick and his wife, Nessa Diab, started Know Your Rights Camp in 2016. Its goal is to empower Black and Brown communities. Crump praised their help, saying, “We thank Colin Kaepernick for supporting this grieving family and the cause of justice and truth.”
This Isn’t Kaepernick’s First Time Supporting Families
The Know Your Rights Camp has helped several families across the country. While previous autopsies have not reversed suicide rulings, they’ve led to new investigations and public awareness.
Reed’s body is still being held by the state. The second autopsy will begin once it’s released. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is now helping local police with the case.
For Reed’s family, this isn’t just about science—it’s about peace. They want to know exactly what happened and whether justice is being served.
Campus Holds Vigils as Tensions Grow
On September 18, students at Delta State University gathered to honor Reed. The African American Student Council hosted a candlelight vigil and a balloon release.
Jy’Quon Wallace, the council president, called Reed “a light” on campus. He said students deserve answers and are demanding a full, honest investigation.
The case has sparked conversations about race, mental health, and police transparency. For many, it feels like history repeating itself.
Kaepernick’s Involvement Divides Social Media
News of Kaepernick’s support quickly spread on X, formerly Twitter. Some users praised him for stepping up. Others accused him of using the case for attention.
One user shared the headline: “Colin Kaepernick pays for autopsy of Black student found hanging from tree.” Others dismissed the move, calling it a “race hustle” or political stunt.
Some posts suggested Reed was not lynched and that suicide is common in all communities. The online reaction has become part of the story itself.
Another Hanging Death Fuels Conspiracies
Adding to the speculation was news of another hanging that same day. A 36-year-old white man, Cory Zukatis, was found dead 100 miles away. He too died by hanging.
Officials have not linked the two deaths. Still, many online have pointed to the timing as strange and suspicious.
The comparisons have fueled conspiracy theories and made the public even more skeptical of the suicide ruling in Reed’s case.
What’s Next for the Reed Family?
The second autopsy will begin once the state releases Reed’s body. No timeline has been given. The family, with Crump’s help, plans to push for answers until they are satisfied with the truth.
Police say no foul play is suspected. But for the community, the case feels far from over. They want transparency, accountability, and clarity—something the official story hasn’t delivered.
As the family waits, national attention on the case continues to grow. So do the calls for truth and justice.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Owens Points Finger at EVERYONE: Zionist Donors, Trump White House Accused of Snubbing Her at Kirk’s Memorial | WATCH
We Publish Breaking News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
