Amid rumors swirling around the mysterious death of a Black student of Delta State, Trey Reed, another similar incident came to be reported from a different part of Mississippi. Inside the university, Demartravion “Trey” Reed, 21, was found hanging from a tree. In Vicksburg, the body of another person, Cory Zukatis, 36, a white male and a Brandon resident, was found hanging in a wooded area.

Is there any connection between them?

No, there was no connection between them. They did not know each other. Autopsies are going on both bodies, but preliminary investigation ruled out any foul play in either case.

Same day, two hangings: Officials refute internet rumors

Internet rumors claimed Trey Reed was lynched to death and his bones were broken. And Internet sleuths connected his death with the other as it’s strange for two similar suicides to take place on the same day. The Bolivar County Coroner released a statement regarding Trey’s death. “At this current time, we are conducting a thorough death investigation,” said the release from Bolivar County Coroner Randolph Seals Jr. “Based on the preliminary investigation, we can confirm that the deceased did not suffer any 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.”On Zukatis’ death, Warren County coroner Doug Husket said the body will be sent for autopsy but there are no immediate signs that Zukatis’ death and Reed’s death are connected.The timing and imagery of the hangings caused random speculation, with many recalling the racist lynchings of mostly Black people—something Mississippi, and the greater American South, has dealt with for centuries. The Delta State community has been especially disturbed, as Reed’s body was found on campus during the week of the school’s centennial celebration.