A 21-year-old Delta State University student was found dead on the school's central campus early Monday, university police said, prompting an investigation and the cancellation of planned centennial events.
Campus police discovered the body at about 7 a.m. in an area of trees near the university's pickleball courts, Mike Peeler, the university's director of public safety, said at a news conference. The deceased was identified as Demartravion "Trey" Reed of Grenada, Mississippi. Peeler said there was no evidence of foul play and that the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and other agencies have been asked to assist. The Bolivar County coroner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
University President Daniel J. Ennis said normal campus operations would resume as soon as possible but that all classes and planned activities marking the institution's 100th anniversary were cancelled indefinitely. The university had scheduled an opening ceremony for 1 p.m. and a time capsule opening for 3 p.m. on Monday as part of centennial celebrations.
"Delta State University is deeply saddened to confirm the discovery of the deceased individual on our campus this morning," Peeler said. He added that the university had no reason to believe there was an ongoing threat and that campus was safe. "I just want to confirm, this is a safe campus. Delta State University is a beautiful place to be," Peeler said.
Ennis offered condolences to Reed's family and classmates and said the university was providing support services through its counseling center. Lena Sillers Chapel on campus remains open for prayer, and university officials said they were in discussions with student leaders about holding a prayer service.
University and local law enforcement are continuing their investigation. Officials said they would release additional information as it becomes available and asked for compassion and patience while families and the campus community are notified and supported.
Reed's death drew immediate changes to the campus schedule and subdued planned festivities that had been months in the making to mark a century of the institution's history. Campus authorities emphasized that, as the investigation proceeds and the coroner completes an autopsy, no further conclusions about the circumstances of his death will be made.
The university did not indicate when autopsy results might be expected. Local and state investigators are collaborating on the inquiry, and the university said it will share updates when appropriate.