Funeral arrangements have been announced for Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old student found dead on the campus of Delta State University last week.
Reed’s body was discovered hanging from a tree on the morning of Sept. 15, and while local and state investigators have been consistent in their belief that no foul play was involved, the family has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to ensure an independent autopsy happens. Results from the state-conducted autopsy were released on Sept. 18 and said Reed died by suicide.
The independent autopsy is being funded by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s “Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative.” Results from it have not been released to the public yet.
In the meantime, family and friends continue to mourn the loss of Reed, originally from Grenada, Mississippi, and a graduate of Grenada High School. According to Clark-Williams Funeral Home, a visitation will be held at Belle Flower MB Church in Grenada on Friday, Sept. 26. The public is invited to attend from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The funeral service is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Abundant Life Assembly in Grenada. The internment will be held following the service at Haven Rest Cemetery in Grenada.
The state Reed’s body was found in sparked speculation and raised questions in a state with a history of racist violence. Congressman Bennie Thompson, who represents the district Delta State is in, has called for a federal investigation into his death. Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell confirmed after the state’s autopsy was complete that all investigative materials have been turned over to the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
