Mississippi authorities are investigating two separate deaths after Demartravion “Trey” Reed, 21, a Black student at Delta State University, and Cory Zukatis, 36, a white man from Brandon, were found hanging in different parts of the state on the same day.
Reed’s body was discovered on the Delta State campus, while Zukatis was found in a wooded area in Vicksburg. Despite online speculation linking the cases, officials said the two men did not know each other and there is no evidence of a connection between the deaths.
Preliminary investigations in both cases suggest no foul play.
- Bolivar County Coroner Randolph Seals Jr., addressing rumors that Reed had been lynched, said:
“Based on the preliminary investigation, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer lacerations, contusions, compound fractures, broken bones, or injuries consistent with an assault. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death.” - Warren County Coroner Doug Husket said Zukatis’ body would undergo an autopsy, but added that there were no immediate signs linking his death to Reed’s.
The timing and imagery of the deaths fueled speculation, with many recalling the history of racist lynchings in Mississippi and across the American South. The Delta State community was particularly shaken, as Reed’s death occurred during the week of the university’s centennial celebration.
