Independent Autopsy Funded by Colin Kaepernick for Student Found Hanging
Controversial NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is financing an independent autopsy for a black student discovered hanging from a tree at the University of Mississippi. This comes after the family of the deceased, Demartravion “Trey” Reed, questioned the official ruling of suicide.
Reed, 21, was found hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts at Delta State University in Cleveland on Monday morning, according to police reports.
Authorities reported on Thursday that the county coroner had ruled Reed’s death as suicide, asserting there were no indications of foul play or bullying involved. However, this finding has not sat well with Reed’s family, who have articulated significant concerns regarding the circumstances of his passing.
Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney now representing the family, noted the conflicting accounts and incomplete details surrounding Reed’s death. Kaepernick’s “Know Your Rights Camp Autopsy Initiative” will cover the costs of this second autopsy.
In a statement, Crump said, “Trey’s death evokes painful memories for communities historically affected by similar tragedies. We can only achieve peace through uncovering the truth.”
He expressed gratitude toward Kaepernick for backing the family in their pursuit of justice and truth. The manner of Reed’s death, compounded by the discovery of broken bones, has sparked public outcry.
Bolivar County Coroner Randolph Shields Jr. previously stated that his findings indicated no bruising or injuries consistent with an assault, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
Michael Peeler, Chief of Delta State Police, mentioned that investigators are currently examining surveillance footage to piece together the events leading to the computer science major’s tragic demise.
Jy’quon Wallace, who leads the African American Student Council at the university, reported seeing Reed engage in a heated phone conversation several hours prior to his death. “He was visibly upset, throwing gestures and kicking the wall,” Wallace recalled. “I’d never seen him in that state before.”
