CLEVELAND & VICKSBURG, Miss. — Two eerily similar tragedies unfolded in Mississippi on Monday, leaving communities reeling and families desperate for answers. In separate incidents just hours apart, a Delta State University student and a Brandon man were both found hanging from trees in different cities, sparking grief, outrage, and growing suspicion.
The first case was reported early Monday morning in Cleveland. The body of 21-year-old Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a student at Delta State University, was discovered hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts on campus. University Police Chief Michael Peeler confirmed officers received the call at around 7:05 a.m. and launched an investigation. While police and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation said there was no immediate evidence of foul play, rumors quickly spread online alleging Reed showed signs of assault. Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark countered those claims, saying he observed no broken limbs and believed the incident to be self-inflicted, though he declined to provide further details.
Delta State University canceled all Monday activities, including its centennial celebrations, in response to Reed’s death. University President Dr. Dan Ennis expressed condolences to Reed’s family, calling the loss “heartbreaking.” In a statement, Reed’s family remembered him as “our little quiet light” who was “sweet, well-mannered, and would give you the world if he could.” They asked the community to pray for them as they grieve and press for answers.
Just hours later, a second tragedy struck in Vicksburg. At about 1:30 p.m., police received a call about another body found hanging from a tree in a wooded area near the Ameristar Casino. Authorities identified the victim as 36-year-old Corey Zukatis of Brandon. Warren County Coroner Doug L. Huskey confirmed Zukatis was pronounced dead at the scene around 10:30 a.m. Few details have been released, and officials have not indicated evidence of foul play.
The similarities between the two deaths — two men found hanging on the same day in different Mississippi cities — have left the public uneasy. Many community members and social media users are rejecting official explanations of suicide, calling the cases “modern-day lynchings” and demanding greater transparency. Others urged unity and action, saying the tragedies should galvanize communities to seek justice and accountability.
Both investigations remain ongoing, with state and local authorities involved. While law enforcement maintains there is no confirmed evidence of foul play in either case, the timing and haunting parallels have intensified calls for clarity. For now, grief and suspicion ripple through Cleveland, Vicksburg, and beyond as Mississippi searches for answers.