A pall of mystery and grief has fallen over Mississippi after two men were found hanged on the same day, miles apart. The separate deaths have sent shockwaves through their respective communities, prompting official investigations and widespread speculation on social media.

The first body, that of 21-year-old Demartravion “Trey” Reed, was discovered on the campus of Delta State University (DSU) in Cleveland. Reed, a Black student, was found hanging from a tree near the pickleball courts and Court of Governors dorms early Monday morning. The university quickly identified him in a public statement, a rare move for a suicide case.

Official reports from the Bolivar County Coroner’s Office have concluded that Reed’s death was a suicide and that no foul play is suspected. Yet, the initial lack of information fueled a flurry of rumors online, with claims that Reed had broken bones and other injuries inconsistent with self-harm. The coroner’s office, however, explicitly stated that preliminary examinations found “no evidence to suggest the individual was physically attacked before his death.” To ensure a comprehensive review, Reed’s body has been sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy.

The second, seemingly unrelated death occurred hours later in Vicksburg, where a white, 36-year-old man named Cory Zukatis was found hanged in a wooded area near the Ameristar Casino. Authorities believe Zukatis, a Brandon resident, was homeless. His body was also sent for an autopsy at the Mississippi State Crime Lab, and police are continuing their investigation. At this time, investigators do not believe the two deaths are connected.

In the wake of the tragedies, DSU canceled classes on Monday. The university has made counseling services, including peer support, available for students and staff to cope with the loss.