Student organizations held a vigil last Monday for Demartravion “Trey” Reed on Grand Valley State University’s Allendale Campus.

The vigil was held by the Sultry Xi Nu Chapter of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and the GVSU Progressive Student Union (PSU). Reed was a 21-year-old college student at Delta State University in Mississippi, whose body was found hanging from a tree this month. A state medical examiner concluded his death was a suicide, but Reed’s family is seeking an independent autopsy, and his death has raised concern among many that he may have been lynched.

Many students and community members in attendance were dressed in black as a sign of respect. Pictures of Reed were held, alongside signs calling for justice and peace. The vigil gave space for members of the campus community to speak about their own experiences with racial discrimination. Members of You Beautiful Black Woman, the Black Excellence program and Black Leaders Aspiring for Critical Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) were present for the vigil and spoke to those gathered. Attendees emphasized the importance of community, especially among student organizations, while calling for justice.

“The passing of Trey Reed left a profound sense of sorrow for the African American community,” said student Nyla Neal. “It was hard hearing of something like this in 2025. I hate that it’s hard to hear things like this happening and to not have justice being served.”

After Reed’s death, speculation began to circulate on social media as to whether he had been lynched, including a rumor his legs had been broken, to which the Bolivar County Coroner stated Reed sustained no injuries and died by suicide. During the vigil, some GVSU students voiced their belief that Reed had been lynched, and asked for more clarity from investigators.

“It looks like what history has shown to be lynching,” said PSU member Owen Frassetto. “We don’t think a Black man (would) hang himself from a tree in the middle of a campus. We think it’s (Reed’s death being ruled a suicide) much less likely than what history tells us is much more likely.”

Members of Reed’s family and the public have called for greater transparency and thoroughness in regard to the investigation. His family has hired noted civil rights attorney Ben Crump, and is awaiting results of independent autopsies.