The Eastern Michigan University community came together this afternoon for an update on the death of football player Demarius Reed. Reed's body was found this morning in the hallway of an off-campus apartment complex and law enforcement say it's an apparent homicide.
E-M-U President Susan Martin says the death of Demarius Reed is a senseless tragedy and the campus has lost a popular student that many people knew. Reed was a 20 year old junior majoring in Communications, Media, and Theatre Arts and was the Eagles fourth leading receiver this season. Martin says Reed had a lot of family and friends and was making the most of his college experience.
Martin says the university is offering counseling services for students and the rest of campus.
Athletic Director Heather Lyke says they decided to go ahead with the game against Ohio to honor Reed and as a way to help the team get back to a normal routine. Lyke says Reed was proud of his Chicago roots, frequently telling people if you aren't from the south-side you're not from Chicago. She says he had a big personality and was doing well academically. Lyke says there will be a moment of silence before the start of tomorrow's game and the players will wear a decal on their helmets with Reed's number.
In a press release, Ypsilanti police say robbery is suspected as a possible motive, but no suspects are known at this time. Eastern Michigan University Public Safety is assisting in the investigation.
E-M-U Police Chief Bob Heighes says anyone who was in the area should contact the Ypsilanti police.
At a campus forum some students however raised concerns that Ypsilanti Police declined to attend the event. They say there have been too many violent incidents at apartment complexes to the north of campus. Brandon Britt is president of the Black Student Union. Britt says African-Americans need to take action to stop the violence in Ypsilanti and elsewhere.
E-M-U officials say they've already had discussions with management of apartment complexes near campus urging safety enhancements similar to those made on campus in recent years.
The university is offering counseling services for students and the rest of campus.
