The Bolivar County Coroner Randolph "Rudy" Seals Jr., has released the following statement on finding a body on the campus of Delta State University Monday morning:
"On September 15, 2025, at approximately 7:32 a.m. the Bolivar County Coroner's Office was notified by the Cleveland Police Department regarding an unresponsive individual on the campus of Delta State University. At 8:08 a.m., representatives from the coroner's office arrived on the scene and observed an unresponsive subject hanging from a tree. With no signs of life being displayed, the individual was pronounced deceased and the next of kin notified. The individual has been identified as a 21-year-old black male.
"At this current time, we are conducting a thorough death investigation. Based on preliminary examination, 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. The remains of the deceased are in the care of the coroner's office and will be transported to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for an autopsy. Further information will be provided once the autopsy results are finalized.
"We ask that the community remain patient with the coroner's office and other investigating agencies as we work to gather all the pertinent facts surrounding this investigation. Additionally, we ask that you respect the family as they navigate through this difficult time.
"On behalf of the Bolivar County Coroner's Office, we offer our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and the entire Delta State community."
In the spirit of transparency,
Randolph "Rudy" Seals, Jr.
Coroner of Bolivar County, MS.
