Ole Miss confirms two student deaths as kratom found in both investigations

The University of Mississippi confirmed Tuesday that two students have died, as investigators disclosed that packaged kratom was recovered during both death investigations.

University officials said the Lafayette County Coroner’s Office confirmed the two deaths and that campus police are not aware of any additional student fatalities. In a statement given to regional broadcasters, the university said it was “heartbroken by the recent loss of two students” and extended condolences to their families and friends.

The university also pushed back directly on rumors spreading online.

“We are aware that considerable unverified information is circulating on social media and in the community regarding these recent student deaths,” the statement said, adding that only the two deaths, not any additional fatalities, have been confirmed and urging the community “not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed.”

The causes of both deaths remain undetermined, and university police said they are continuing to work with state and local law enforcement.

Lafayette County Metro Narcotics, which is treating the cases as two separate investigations, said it has found no evidence so far connecting the deaths. The agency was explicit about the limits of what it has confirmed: packaged kratom purchased from a retail store was recovered during both investigations, but investigators “do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death,” according to the Oxford Eagle’s account of the agency’s statement. “Out of an abundance of caution,” the agency is encouraging people to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance not prescribed to them or obtained from a regulated source.

Local reporting indicates social events tied to fraternity and sorority organizations scheduled for Tuesday were canceled amid the investigation.

Free Narcan, which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, remains available on the Ole Miss campus and at a vending machine on the ground floor of the downtown Oxford parking garage on the Square.

The university directed students seeking support to the Counseling Center and UMatter, which coordinates on- and off-campus student support services.