Two University of Mississippi students die as investigation begins, kratom found in evidence
University of Mississippi officials confirmed the deaths of two students while investigators found packaged kratom among the evidence; causes of death remain unknown.
The Lafayette County coroner confirmed that two University of Mississippi students died on Monday, prompting separate death investigations by local authorities. Law enforcement discovered packaged kratom purchased from a retail store during the inquiry, but officials said there is no confirmed link between the substance and the fatalities.
A dispatch recording shows first responders were called to Stewart Hall shortly after 1:30 p.m. for a possible overdose, where they found an unresponsive individual and began CPR. The university released a statement expressing condolences and urging the community not to spread unverified information, noting that the causes of death are still under investigation.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch said her office had recently trained Ole Miss students on administering Narcan and provided resources to address overdose risks. She added that her office is coordinating with partners to expand awareness and access to life-saving medication. The city of Oxford also installed a Narcan vending machine in July to increase availability of the antidote.