Eastern Michigan receiver Demarius Reed found dead
By Brandon F
On early Friday morning, Tragedy struck a small college town in Michigan.
Eastern Michigan wide receiver Demarius Reed was found dead. Police identified Reed’s cause of death as a gunshot wound.
Eastern Michigan receiver Demarius Reed was found dead early Friday morning. Photo courtesy of Eastern Michigan University.
Ann Arbor News released details of Reed’s death:
"Reed was discovered dead in a hallway at the University Green apartments in the 700 block of West Clark Road by his roommate around 7:15 a.m. Friday, police said."
Reed, a communications major, graduated in 2011 from Simeon Academy in Chicago. He was rated a three-star receiver by ESPN.com and a two-star by Rivals.
In six starts this season, the 5-foot-10, 161-pound junior caught 15 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown. He also returned seven punts for 46 yards. In the season opener against Howard, he caught a career-best four receptions.
Several people offered their condolences to Reed’s family and friends, including Eastern Michigan athletic director Heather Lyke.
“The EMU family has suffered an unbelievable loss today,” Lyke said in a statement. “Demarius was an influential leader who thrived in the classroom and on the field. Everyone gravitated to him and often described him as the ‘life of the locker room.’
“Our hearts go out to Demarius’ family. We are doing all we can to help and support them along with the rest of our student-athletes.”
Grief counselors met with Eastern Michigan students and the football team throughout the day.
Eastern Michigan (1-5, 0-2 Mid-American Conference) hosts Ohio at 1 p.m. Saturday at Rynearson Stadium in Ypsilanti, Mich. The school’s sports information department confirmed the game will be played as scheduled.
“This is a tragedy,” MAC commisioner Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher said. “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.”
3:27 p.m. UPDATE: I just learned Western Michigan will have a moment of silence Saturday to honor Reed. Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan’s in-state rival, hosts Ball State.