Black Delta State University student Demartravion “Trey” Reed was found dead hanging from a tree earlier this week, and former NFL star and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick will pay for an independent autopsy.
As reported by ABC 24, civil rights attorney Ben Crump confirmed that Kaepernick is stepping in to cover the costs for an independent autopsy into Reed’s death, which was initially ruled a suicide by hanging by the Mississippi State Medical Examiner’s Office. Crump said that despite the Bolivar County Coroner's Office stating no evidence suggested Reed was killed, the 21-year-old student's family has serious concerns "after receiving conflicting accounts and incomplete information."
“Trey’s death evoked the collective memory of a community that has suffered a historic wound over many, many years and many, many deaths," said Crump. "Peace will come only by getting to the truth. We thank Colin Kaepernick for supporting this grieving family and the cause of justice and truth.” Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp will provide the funds through its Autopsy Initiative.
The death of Reed is under investigation by the Bolivar County Coroner's Office, while the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is assisting.
Reed was found dead and hanging from a tree at the Mississippi school on Monday (Sept. 15), but his family said they have received conflicting reports on the nature of his death. "The family does not know exactly what happened on September the 15th of 2025," said family attorney Vanessa J. Jones. "We are seeking answers from Delta State University. We're seeking answers from the coroner's office."
Jones said that when his family was first told about his death, police officers claimed that he was found dead in his dorm room, not hanging from a tree. They learned that he was found hanging from a tree on the university campus when the media reported on it. Officials said there's no evidence of foul play based on preliminary investigations, something the NAACP cast doubt on in a statement that asserted Reed was "lynched."