The Waiting and the Weight of Uncertainty
Weeks have passed since the death of De’Martravion “Trey” Reed, and still, there is no definitive verdict. The public waits for answers: the release of the second autopsy, official statements from authorities, and words that might bring comfort to a grieving family.
In the absence of clarity, rumors, mistrust, and speculation have filled the void. Online conversations, often driven by grief and outrage, have turned into a whirlwind of misinformation that adds pain to those already mourning.
A History That Shapes Our Doubt
For many Black Americans, disbelief in the face of a reported suicide by hanging is not mere suspicion—it’s a historical reflex born of centuries of racial violence.
During the lynching era, it was not uncommon for the deaths of Black men to be ruled as suicides to cover up murders committed by white mobs or law enforcement. The Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project at Northeastern University has documented dozens of such cases between 1930 and 1956.
This collective memory lingers. When Trey Reed’s death was announced as a “suicide,” it resonated with a painful pattern—one that reminds us how often Black death has been misrepresented, minimized, or dismissed.
The Modern Spectacle of Grief and Rumor
In 2025, the public square has moved from courthouse steps to social media feeds. Unverified details, viral posts, and sensational headlines spread rapidly. Claims of “broken bones,” “foul play,” or “cover-ups” circulate before facts are confirmed.
This digital rumor mill, while fueled by legitimate pain and distrust, often overshadows the victim and the family’s humanity. The story becomes a spectacle—one that extracts grief for clicks and shares, rather than centering compassion and truth.
If Foul Play Is Found—Justice Must Follow
Should the second autopsy confirm evidence inconsistent with suicide—signs of trauma, struggle, or manipulation—the call for justice must be loud and sustained.
Accountability would need to reach beyond individuals to include institutions: law enforcement, campus security, and the media. Who shaped the initial narrative? Who withheld evidence or delayed transparency? These questions demand answers, not for the sake of outrage, but for truth and reform.
If Suicide Is Confirmed—We Must Confront the Stigma
If the autopsy confirms that Trey Reed took his own life, that truth carries its own urgent call. It would require a collective reckoning with the realities of mental health in Black communities.
For too long, discussions of depression, trauma, and suicide among Black men have been shrouded in silence and stigma. Accepting the possibility of suicide does not diminish the tragedy—it expands it. It challenges us to confront despair, alienation, and the systemic pressures that weigh heavily on young Black lives.
Rejecting Silence and Spectacle Alike
Regardless of the final report, one thing must remain central: Trey Reed was a son, a student, and a human being. His life deserves dignity beyond rumor or sensationalism.
As a society, we must resist both erasure and exploitation—the twin dangers of silence and spectacle. Whether this tragedy stems from violence or internal pain, the path forward demands transparency, empathy, and care.
Let Grief Lead, Not Speculation
When the full truth of Trey Reed’s death emerges, may it be met with mourning before judgment. Let the rumors end, the lies fall away, and the healing begin.
Grief, when acknowledged and shared with honesty, can be the starting point of justice. Before we frame explanations or assign blame, we must first recognize the humanity that was lost—and the community that continues to ache for truth.
By Dr. Stacey Patton
Award-winning journalist and author of “Spare The Kids: Why Whupping Children Won’t Save Black America” and the forthcoming “Strung Up: The Lynching of Black Children in Jim Crow America.”
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