Two University of Mississippi Students Found Dead, Kratom Discovered at Both Scenes

Two Ole Miss students have died in separate investigations, with packaged kratom found at both scenes. Causes of death remain unconfirmed.

Deaths of Two Ole Miss Students Under Investigation as Kratom Found at Both Scenes

Two University of Mississippi students have died, the Lafayette County coroner confirmed to actionnews5.com on Tuesday. Packaged kratom, purchased from a retail store, was recovered during investigations into both deaths, according to the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit.

Law enforcement is treating the cases as two separate death investigations. Officials have no confirmed evidence linking the two deaths to each other, nor do they have confirmation that kratom or any other substance contributed to either death. How each student died remains unclear, the university told actionnews5.com.

According to a Lafayette County dispatch recording obtained by actionnews5.com, public safety officials were dispatched to Stewart Hall on the Ole Miss campus just after 1:30 p.m. on Monday, 21 September, following a report of a "possible overdose." First responders were told the individual was unresponsive and that CPR was actively in progress.

The University of Mississippi released a statement addressing the deaths: "The University is heartbroken by the recent loss of two students and extends our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. We are aware that considerable unverified information is circulating on social media and in the community regarding these recent student deaths. The Coroner's Office has confirmed two student deaths, and University Police are not aware of any additional student deaths."

The university urged community members not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed. University Police said they remain in contact with local and state law enforcement while investigations into the causes of death continue.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch posted to social media last week, stating her office has "trained students at The University of Mississippi - Ole Miss on how to administer Narcan and provided students with the tools they need to help save a life in the event of an overdose."

Following the deaths, Fitch's office issued an additional statement: "One Pill Can Kill is not just a slogan. It's a fact. It is why we have worked so hard with universities to raise awareness about fake pills, to spread Narcan as far and wide as possible, and to train students on what to do if someone is overdosing. We have reached out to our partners, including the Magee Center and HarborPath, to surge the resources and information needed to stop these tragic deaths. Our prayers are with the families and friends already impacted."

In July, the City of Oxford installed a Narcan vending machine to expand access to life-saving resources and to offer recovery support.

actionnews5.com said it has reached out to the university, campus police, and local law enforcement agencies for further details. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: Google News MT