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

Two Ole Miss students have died in separate investigations, with packaged kratom found at both scenes. No confirmed link between the deaths has been established.

Two Ole Miss Students Dead as Authorities Investigate Separate Cases

The Lafayette County coroner confirmed to wafb.com on Tuesday that two University of Mississippi students have died, with investigations into both deaths now underway.

Packaged kratom, purchased from a retail store, was recovered at the scenes of both deaths, according to the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit. Investigators are treating the two cases as separate death investigations, and officials stated they have no confirmed evidence linking the deaths to one another, nor any confirmation that kratom or any other substance contributed to either student's death.

"It remains unclear how either student died," the university told the outlet.

According to a Lafayette County dispatch recording obtained by wafb.com, public safety officials were called 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 informed the individual was unresponsive and that CPR was being administered.

The University of Mississippi issued a statement addressing the deaths and cautioning against speculation:

"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. We encourage our community not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed."

University Police confirmed they remain in contact with local and state law enforcement while the causes of both deaths continue to be investigated.

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch, who just last week posted to social media that her office had "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," issued a further statement following the deaths.

"One Pill Can Kill is not just a slogan. It's a fact," Fitch's office said. "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 recovery support across the community.

The university encouraged students in need of support to contact campus resources. wafb.com reported that it has also reached out to the university, campus police, and local law enforcement for further details.

Source: Google News MT