🔗 Share this article Loved Ones of African American Young Scholar Discovered Suspended from Campus Tree Retain Civil Rights Attorney The loved ones of a African American young man located hanging from a tree on a university campus in the state of Mississippi has retained well-known legal advocate attorney Ben Crump as doubts persist regarding the unexplained passing. Initial Findings and Ongoing Investigation On Monday, personnel at Delta State University came upon the body of the young man Trey Reed close to university sports areas. University law enforcement leader the chief stated that Reed appeared to have died by suicide and that there were no signs of external involvement, but concerns have grown among the family. As investigators and the state agencies examine the case, attorneys acting for the loved ones are carrying out their own review and intend to request an external post-mortem. “Trey was a person filled with promise and warmth, profoundly admired and esteemed by all who knew him. His relatives and the campus community are entitled to a complete, separate review to reveal the reality about what happened.” Calls for National Investigation At the same time, Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democratic politician, called for the federal authorities to look into the situation. “Federal agents has the tools and experience needed to conduct a comprehensive, fair investigation, and swift action is crucial,” the congressman said in a release. The agency mentioned that it is monitoring the situation and “prepared to investigate” if there is evidence of a potential national offense. Historical Background The institution in the town, close to the Arkansas region, is situated only about 30 miles from a site infamously tied with the infamous murder of a young Black youth. A marker at the nearby river site recognizes the finding 70 years ago of Till’s brutalized remains in the water. Reed’s case quickly drew interest on the internet, and brought to mind the period of segregation of oppression and the violent killings of people of color at the hands of white vigilantes in Mississippi and across the American South. Medical Statements and Public Reaction The county coroner denied rumors that Trey was discovered with broken limbs. In a announcement cited by media sources, the coroner indicated that his team conducted a preliminary examination and determined the young man did not endure any lacerations, bruises, broken bones, or harm indicating an attack. A civil rights organization stated in a statement: “Although preliminary findings provided no evidence of criminal acts, it is reasonable to feel our doubt amidst rising racially motivated hostility affecting our population across this nation.” “As we await more formal autopsy reports and details, we share this historical context with a strong belief: Our community have not in the past hung ourselves from branches.” Campus Reaction In a message released on the campus social media, the university president mentioned that the school was returning to normal while continuing to mourn the passing. He added that administrators were staying in touch with the loved ones. “We know that we can never fully heal this pain. We are working closely with authorities. We continue to make sure that all the information needed is given to investigators. And we are praying for clarity.” Classes were halted on the day of the incident at the campus, as were events to celebrate the centennial of its opening.