Police investigating 2 Ole Miss students' deaths after kratom found
Local officials are looking for answers after two Ole Miss students were found dead in separate incidents in Oxford, Mississippi, this week, police said.
Despite "packaged Kratom" being found during both investigations into the students' deaths, officials asked students not to speculate as the police conduct their probe.
The school identified the deceased students on Thursday as Aidan Hamilton, a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Robert Strang, a junior from Atlanta.
A cause of death hasn't immediately been determined, according to the school.
"We offer heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and classmates of Aidan and Robert. While there are no words that can alleviate the tremendous sorrow they are experiencing, please keep them close in your thoughts and prayers during this time of immense grief," Ole Miss said in a message to students.
Strang's family said in a statement Thursday that they are trying to process their loss and asked for privacy.
"We are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers and support by so many beloved friends and family. Their kindness has meant more to our family than we can ever express," they said in a statement.
Hamilton's family said in a statement, “Aidan was a bright, wonderful young man who was taken too soon. He is greatly missed. We thank everyone for their prayers and support and ask that you respect our family’s privacy during this time of great loss.”
The police said that packaged kratom "sold from a retail store" was found during their investigations into the two deaths. Kratom is sold in convenience stores, gas stations and online, and linked to a growing number of overdoses.
Kratom products contain chemicals that can increase alertness, physical energy, and talkativeness. At higher doses, users may experience sedating effects.
The FDA has warned that kratom and especially concentrated 7-OH products can carry risks including dependence, addiction, and serious adverse effects.
Advocates have called on the Food and Drug Administration for stricter regulations on the products and bans.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage everyone to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source," the Oxford Police Department said in a statement on Tuesday.
Oxford police said they are still trying to see if the drug was a factor in the students' deaths as their probes continue.
"We do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death," they said in a statement.
"Local, state and federal partners are working collaboratively to gather the facts and provide answers as quickly and responsibly as possible," the police added.
The police noted that Narcan, which may be able to reverse the life-threatening effects of an overdose of Kratom and other substances, is available on the campus.
Dr. Shawnboda Mead, the vice chancellor for student affairs at Ole Miss, said in a statement Tuesday that the school expressed its condolences and remorse to the family members of the deceased students.
"We encourage our community not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed," she said.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Wednesday the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics are working with local authorities on the investigation and helping expedite toxicology reports. The state will continue providing resources requested by local law enforcement, according to the governor.
"Please talk to your children about this situation and the dangers associated with taking illegal drugs," he said in a Facebook post.
