🕊️ September 16, 2025 — Mississippi — Two separate hanging deaths in Mississippi within a single day have sparked grief, confusion, and renewed calls for transparency as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding both tragedies.
đź“Ť Delta State University: A Campus in Mourning
Early Monday morning, Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old student at Delta State University in Cleveland, was found hanging from a tree near the campus pickleball courts. The discovery came just hours before the university was set to begin its centennial celebrations, which were immediately canceled as the community grappled with the loss.
University officials and the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office stated there was no evidence of foul play, citing a preliminary examination that found no signs of trauma, broken bones, or assault. However, skepticism has grown online, with Reed’s family and social media users questioning the official narrative. A relative on TikTok urged followers to “not let them sweep this under the rug,” fueling public concern.
🌲 Vicksburg: A Second Tragedy
Just hours later, around 1:30 p.m., police in Vicksburg responded to a wooded area near the Ameristar Casino, where they found Cory Zukatis, a 35-year-old white male from Brandon, hanging from a tree. Authorities say Zukatis was homeless and have not linked his death to the incident in Cleveland. His body has been sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for autopsy.
🧠Public Reaction and Historical Context
While officials have not confirmed foul play in either case, the image of a young Black man found hanging from a tree in 2025 Mississippi evokes painful historical memories. Mississippi has the highest documented number of lynchings in U.S. history, and past cases—such as Raynard Johnson (2000) and Lennon Lacy (2014)—have left lasting scars amid disputed suicide rulings.
Civil rights advocates and mental health professionals are urging caution, transparency, and compassion. The Equal Justice Initiative and other watchdog groups have called for independent oversight in cases involving racial trauma and public distrust.
🛑 Mental Health and Campus Support
Delta State University has expanded counseling services and opened its chapel for prayer and reflection. President Dan Ennis emphasized that the campus remains safe and that students should seek support as needed.
As investigations continue, Mississippi faces a moment of reckoning—where grief, history, and the demand for truth converge. Whether these deaths are ultimately ruled suicides or something more, the emotional toll is undeniable.