According to John Counts of MLive.com, Eastern Michigan University officials confirmed that it was Reed’s body that was found. Ypsilanti police Detective Sgt. Thomas Eberts believes Reed died from a gunshot wound, and it is being investigated as a homicide.
A roommate discovered the junior wideout’s body in the hallway at 7:15 a.m. on Friday morning. The apartment was off-campus, but near the university.
There has been no official word from the team during these tragic times and the school released a notice informing and warning the student body of the sad incident and pleading for anyone with more information to step forward.
The school later released a statement about Reed's death, including condolences from school leaders:
The Eastern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is extending its deepest condolences to the family, friends and teammates following the passing of Demarius Reed (Chicago, Ill.-Simeon Academy), a junior student-athlete on the football team.
EMU grief counselors have been meeting with and supporting the team, fellow students, faculty and staff.
Eastern Michigan will hold a community forum at 5 p.m. this afternoon in the EMU Student Center Auditorium, in which EMU Police Chief Bob Heighes and President Susan Martin will offer an update on the situation and be available to answer any questions from our campus community.
To honor Reed it was decided Saturday's home game against Ohio University is still scheduled to be played at 1 p.m.
The Chicago native attended Simeon Career Academy and had received offers from a number of colleges—including Ball St., Bowling Green, Western Kentucky and Wyoming—before settling on Eastern Michigan.
From school president Dr. Susan Martin:
We are all deeply saddened by the tragic news this morning involving Eastern Michigan University student Demarius Reed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends, and his teammates on the football team. Demarius, a 20-year old junior majoring in Communication, Media and Theatre Arts, was well-liked and considered a leader among his teammates and friends.
From MAC Commissioner Jon. A Steinbrecher:
"This is a tragedy. Words cannot express my remorse for the loss of this young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Reed family, his teammates, coaches, and fellow students at Eastern Michigan University."
Reed had played for the EMU Eagles for three seasons and had recorded 44 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns during that span.
He was having one of his best seasons despite the team’s 1-5 record during the 2013 campaign, hauling in 15 receptions for 185 yards and a score. He started every game and was the fourth-leading receiver on the squad.
Eastern Michigan is currently slated to face the Ohio Bobcats on Saturday, Oct. 19. It’s unknown if this tragedy will impact those plans, but it is certain that the entire team will be playing with heavy hearts if the game must go on.
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