The family of a Black college student who was found hanged in the middle of a Mississippi campus wants an independent autopsy performed as they seek answers in the death of 21-year-old Dematravion "Trey" Reed.

"We will seek answers independently from Delta State University and from the coroner's office and, if need be, independent from the state coroner's office because we need answers as to what happened to Trey Reed," said Reed's family attorney Vanessa Jones, according to USA Today. "Were there cameras? There should have been cameras at the university that could easily enlighten us to what happened in the early morning of Sept. 15, 2025."

Reed's body was found hanging from a tree in the middle of Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, on Monday morning, the Mississippi Free Press reported. A press event held Monday afternoon by Delta State University Police said that no foul play is suspected in the death, but social media posts had circulated speculating Reed's legs were broken when he was found, the Clarion Ledger reported. However, authorities dispute that assertion.

"At this current time, we are conducting a thorough death investigation," said Delta State University Chief of Police Michael Peeler in a statement. "Based on the preliminary examinations, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death."

Meanwhile, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson has called for an FBI investigation into Reed's death.

"I am calling for a full federal investigation into his death," Thompson said in a statement. "The FBI has the tools and experience necessary to conduct a thorough and unbiased inquiry, and time is of the essence. We must leave no stone unturned. Mississippi's history of racial violence against African Americans cannot be ignored, and our community deserves both truth and accountability."

However, no FBI action toward the case had been initiated at presstime. Jackson FBI spokesperson Marshay Lawson told the Clarion Ledger in an email that agents are "aware of the incident in Cleveland" and are in "regular contact with local authorities."