Tragedy Strikes in Two Mississippi Communities
Authorities in Mississippi are conducting two separate and unrelated investigations following the tragic deaths of two men who were found hanging on Monday, September 15, 2025. The incidents, one involving a student at Delta State University and the other a man in Vicksburg, have prompted thorough investigations, though officials in both cases have stated there is currently no evidence of foul play.
Death Investigation Underway at Delta State University
The campus of Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi, was shaken Monday morning after a student was found deceased. University officials identified the student as 21-year-old Demartravion “Trey” Reed of Grenada. According to Delta State’s Director of Public Safety, Mike Peeler, university police received a call at approximately 7:05 a.m. regarding the discovery of a body hanging from a tree near the campus pickleball courts.
In response to the tragedy, the university canceled all classes and postponed its planned centennial celebration events scheduled for the day. Counseling and support services were immediately made available to students, faculty, and staff. “Our community is deeply saddened by this loss,” said Delta State President Dr. Daniel Ennis in a press conference. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to family, friends, and all those impacted by Trey’s loss.”
While Chief Peeler confirmed that Reed’s next of kin have been notified and that there is “no evidence of foul play” at this time, a multi-agency investigation is underway. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department, and the Cleveland Police Department are assisting university police. Reed’s body was recovered by the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office, and a full autopsy is pending.
The incident has led to widespread speculation on social media, prompting Reed’s family to request that a graphic video of the scene not be shared. Bolivar County Deputy Coroner Murray Roark addressed some of the online rumors, telling reporters he saw no evidence of broken limbs and stated that, pending the full investigation, his initial assessment was that the death was self-inflicted.
Man Found Deceased in Vicksburg Wooded Area
Hours after the discovery at Delta State, another death investigation began in Vicksburg. At around 1:30 p.m., the Vicksburg Police Department responded to a call on the 4100 block of Washington Street, near the Ameristar Casino. Upon arrival, officers found a man hanging in a wooded area.
Authorities identified the deceased as Cory Zukatis, a resident of Brandon, Mississippi, who was believed to be homeless. The Warren County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and pronounced him dead. Vicksburg Police Capt. Curtis Judge confirmed that Zukatis’s family has been notified and that the case is being handled as a death investigation. As with the Delta State case, authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the death. According to reports from sources including digitaltrendstoday.com, both investigations remain active as officials work to determine the definitive cause and manner of each death.
Officials in both Cleveland and Vicksburg have emphasized that there are no ongoing threats to public safety related to these incidents. The communities are now mourning the losses as law enforcement continues its work to provide answers to the grieving families.
