Colin Kaepernick funding independent autopsy for black student found hanging from tree at Mississippi college
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is stepping up to help a grieving family in Mississippi. He’s funding an independent autopsy for Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old Black student found hanging from a tree on the Delta State University campus. The move comes after Reed’s family questioned the official suicide ruling, sparking doubts and online rumors.
Police discovered Reed’s body early Monday near the pickleball courts at the Cleveland campus. The Bolivar County coroner declared it a suicide by Thursday, and authorities say there’s no sign of foul play. They even mentioned having video footage of the incident. But Reed’s loved ones aren’t convinced. They point to conflicting reports and missing details about how he died.
High-profile civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, now representing the family, explained their worries. “Trey’s death has stirred painful memories in a community scarred by years of tragedy,” Crump said in a statement. “True peace means uncovering the facts.” Kaepernick’s “Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative” is covering the cost of this second autopsy to seek clarity.
The case has drawn attention because of how Reed was found—hanging from a tree—which quickly fueled speculation online. Some rumors claimed he had broken bones or injuries from a fight. Coroner Randolph Seals Jr. shut that down earlier this week, stating Reed had no cuts, bruises, fractures, or assault-related wounds. Mississippi Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell also condemned the “harmful rumors” spreading about the Delta State University student death.
Investigators are still digging into the details. Delta State police chief Michael Peeler revealed they’re reviewing video to piece together what happened to the computer science major. Friends say Reed seemed off in his final hours. Jy’Quon Wallace, head of the campus African American Student Council, spotted him Sunday night in a heated phone argument.
“He looked really upset, gesturing wildly like he wanted to throw things,” Wallace told the Clarion Ledger. “He kicked a wall, then stormed off toward Blansett Hall. I’d never seen him like that before—he was just out of it.”
Reed’s family and supporters held a prayer vigil after a police briefing on September 17. As the independent autopsy gets underway, many hope it brings answers and justice in this heartbreaking Colin Kaepernick-backed probe into the Mississippi student hanging.
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