MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is aware of the recent tragedies that unfolded at Delta State University and in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and is calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the deaths of Demartravion “Trey” Reed and Cory Zukatis.
“We are deeply saddened by the recent tragedies where individuals were found hanging in Mississippi. One took the life of a young, Black man and the other of a man experiencing homelessness. Although one death has been ruled a suicide and another is undetermined, the tremendous outcry from the local community over concerns surrounding the loss of these two should not go unaddressed,” said Bryan Fair, interim president and CEO, SPLC.
“The imagery of these two deaths immediately evokes the collective consciousness of those who are deeply aware of Mississippi’s troubled past. These events remind us how inequity continues to endanger lives. By committing to a thorough investigation and providing transparency around these tragedies, local leaders and law enforcement can bring a deeper sense of peace and comfort during a time of tragedy. Our state office will be monitoring their efforts closely.”
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About the Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org.