Officials have pushed back against claims of foul play in the death of a Mississippi college student whose body was discovered hanging from a tree on Monday.
Demartravion Reed, 21, was discovered hanging from a tree in the middle of Delta State University’s campus, behind the pickleball courts. Not only did Delta State University police chief Michael L. Peeler say they are investigating Reed’s death as a suicide, but Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark told the Mississippi Free Press that there was no evidence of broken arms or limbs.
“I saw no broken limbs,” he said, declining to provide additional details.
Roark reportedly assisted in examining Reed’s body. The results of Reed’s full autopsy are pending.
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.
While the campus was closed after Reed’s body was discovered, Peeler confirmed that a lockdown was not implemented. Classes were canceled on Monday, but University President Dr. Daniel Ennis told the Clarion Ledger that classes are expected to resume.
“I want to reiterate Chief Peeler’s comment: There is no evidence of a threat to campus, and there is no evidence the campus is unsafe at this point,” he said.
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