Autopsy Reveals Delta State University Student's Death Ruled Suicide

Autopsy Finds Hanged Mississippi Student Died by Suicide, Police Say CLEVELAND, Miss. - An autopsy conducted by the office of Mississippi's state medical examiner concluded that a Black student found hanging from a tree at Delta State University died by suicide, police announced Thursday. The 21-year-old student's death, discovered early Monday, sparked an outpouring of emotions in the Southern state with a history of racist violence. The police department in Cleveland, where the campus is located, released a statement saying the autopsy results were consistent with a preliminary examination of the body by the Bolivar County coroner, which found no evidence of foul play. "We understand that this news may be difficult for many to hear," said Chief James Neal of the Cleveland Police Department. "However, we must rely on the facts and evidence in our investigation." The student's family and their lawyers had called for an independent autopsy and requested access to security camera recordings and other video evidence gathered by police. "We will continue to seek justice for our loved one," said a family spokesperson. "We want answers about what happened that night, and we will not rest until we get them." Delta State University has faced criticism in the past for its handling of racial incidents on campus. The university's president, Dr. John M. Hilpert, released a statement expressing condolences to the student's family. "Our hearts are heavy with grief," Dr. Hilpert said. "We will continue to work towards creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students." The incident has sparked conversations about mental health resources on college campuses and the need for greater support for students of color. "This tragedy highlights the importance of addressing systemic issues that contribute to student well-being," said Dr. LaKisha Simmons, a professor at Delta State University who specializes in African American studies. "We must do more to create safe spaces for our students." The investigation into the student's death is ongoing, and police have not released any further information about potential motives or circumstances surrounding the incident. Background: Delta State University has faced criticism in the past for its handling of racial incidents on campus. In 2020, a group of students protested after a Black student was allegedly subjected to racist slurs by a white student. The university's president at the time apologized and promised to increase diversity and inclusion efforts. Additional Perspectives: Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has said he will lead an independent investigation into the student's death. "We will not rest until we get answers about what happened," Mr. Crump said in a statement. The incident has sparked conversations about mental health resources on college campuses and the need for greater support for students of color. Current Status: The police department in Cleveland is continuing to investigate the student's death, and an independent investigation led by civil rights attorney Ben Crump is also underway. The university has promised to increase diversity and inclusion efforts and provide additional support for students. Next Developments: The outcome of the investigations and any potential changes to campus policies or procedures will be closely watched in the coming weeks. *Reporting by Npr.*