GRENADA — Tears and solemn smiles mingled as the family of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a now-deceased Delta State University student, gathered with friends and community members for a vigil at Grenada High School, the same place from which Reed graduated in 2023.
Around 100 people gathered Saturday, Sept. 20, at Grenada High School’s football stadium with candles and photos in hand to honor the memory of Reed.
Reed, a 21-year-old Black man, from Grenada, was found early in the morning Monday, Sept. 15, hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts and Court of Governors dormitories on DSU’s campus in Cleveland.
Family, classmates and local residents gathered at the Saturday vigil, many wearing blue — Reed’s favorite color. On the football field, a group stood behind a table displaying a photo of Reed.
The photo showed Reed in a blue vest over a white long-sleeve shirt, paired with a black bow tie, slacks and shoes. It was displayed in a black-trimmed frame adorned with white angel wings, surrounded by blue flowers and four candles in glass holders resting on the ground.
Two of Reed’s relatives stood at the center of the vigil on a track encircling the football field, where candles spelled out “Trey.” They both spoke to the crowd.
“We stand here today collectively to represent the Reed, Tillman and King family,” one relative said. “We do want to thank you all for coming out. We see we have gathered family, friends, classmates and even those that love the immediate family. Please continue to keep everyone in your prayers. Everyone loved Trey, and we want to thank you all for coming out here tonight showing solidarity. It’s a trying time for everyone.”
Another relative identified as “Shonna” followed behind adding, “We just ask you to continue to keep the Reed, King, Tillman family in your prayers as we navigate this new life without Trey. Thank you guys again for coming to be with us today as we stay ignited, as we work through this together.”
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The Clarion Ledger normally does not reveal the names of those who died by suicide, but the university of 2,700 announced the name in a public setting.
Though Reed’s death remains under investigation, public outrage and skepticism have sparked across social media with posts questioning the narrative of suicide as stated by authorities. The Mississippi State Medical Examiner concluded Thursday that Reed’s death was consistent with suicide.
Reed’s family is pursuing an independent autopsy. Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump, retained by the family, announced Friday, Sept. 19, that the Colin Kaepernick “Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative” will fund the independent autopsy.
At least 200 people attended a Thursday, Sept. 18, vigil at Delta State campus in honor of Reed. Reed’s family organized the Saturday vigil, where several people stood together, united in their grief but also in their determination to seek justice for Reed.
Speakers at the Saturday vigil described Reed as a loving, kind and caring person. One of Reed’s former teachers highlighted his dedication and hard work in the classroom.
Family of Delta State University student Trey Reed holds vigil at Grenada High School on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Grenada, MS.
Dr. Willie Reece Jr., Reed’s sixth-grade English teacher, told the Clarion Ledger he attended the vigil to support Reed’s family and “show his respects” toward the impact Reed had on him as an educator. Reece described Reed as “one of the best students” he ever had the privilege of teaching.
“I have a vivid memory of all of my students in some way or another, but he was always a very quiet student but very mannerable. He never gave anyone any issues,” Reece told the Clarion Ledger.
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Reece also left a message to the family and community saying, “Always remember that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. Even though it’s hard, we can always trust that God will make everything well. The circumstances are unfortunate, but Trey will always live in our hearts.”
Grenada Mayor Charles Latham attended the vigil and assured the family that both the community and the nation stood with them, noting he had received calls from people across the country offering prayers for the family. Delta State University President Dan Ennis was also present but did not address the crowd.
The vigil concluded around 6:40 p.m., about 40 minutes after it began, with the release of blue oval-shaped balloons and black star balloons. As the balloons floated into the sky, shouts of “We love you, Trey” and chants of “Say his name. Trey Reed” echoed through the crowd.
The Grenada School District superintendent’s office issued the following statement about Reed in full to the Clarion Ledger:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Trey Reed, a beloved former student of Grenada High School, who tragically passed away while attending college. Trey was more than just a student, he was a quiet beacon of strength, joy, and compassion to all who knew him.
“Graduating from Grenada High School in 2023, Trey left behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and genuine friendship. He was a respectful and well-mannered young man, known for his quiet yet determined focus on his studies. Trey’s presence in the classroom was one of grace, and his warm, sincere smile made a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.
“After high school, Trey pursued his passion for Cyber Security at Delta State University, where he continued to touch the lives of those around him with his thoughtful and caring nature. His passing is a profound loss to both his college and high school communities.
“To Trey’s family, we extend our deepest condolences and unwavering support. We are deeply saddened by his loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. Trey’s memory will forever be cherished and missed.”
Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at pdankins@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Family speaks at vigil on hanging of Trey Reed at Delta State in MS