An investigation is underway in Mississippi after a college student’s body was reportedly found hanging from a tree on Monday.
Delta State University police chief Michael L. Peeler said they are treating Demartravion Reed’s death as a suicide. The Clarion Ledger reported that Reed, 21, was found hanging from a tree in the middle of the college campus, behind the pickleball courts.
Reed’s mother told WREG that she last spoke to her son on Friday, and he seemed excited to attend school. His death occurred during the university’s centennial celebrations, which were cancelled as a result.
The Bolivar County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy, though Peeler said foul play is not suspected in his death.
“I just want to confirm, this is a safe campus. Delta State University is a beautiful place to be. It’s just unfortunate this loss that comes heavily to our campus,” Peeler said, according to WHBQ.
While the campus was closed after Reed’s body was discovered, Peeler confirmed that a lockdown was not implemented. Classes were canceled on Monday, and it is unclear when classes will resume.
University President Dr. Daniel Ennis told WREG, “There is no evidence of a threat to campus, and there’s no evidence the campus is unsafe at this point, so I expect we will resume normal operations as soon as possible.”
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