The University of Mississippi confirmed two student deaths on Sept. 21; one student was found on campus and another elsewhere in Oxford. Packaged kratom was discovered at both scenes, but authorities say there is no confirmed link between the substance and the deaths. Law enforcement agencies are conducting separate investigations and have urged the public not to speculate while inquiries continue. The university expressed condolences and highlighted free Narcan access and recent overdose-response training on campus.
Two University of Mississippi Students Found Dead; Packaged Kratom Located at Both Scenes — Investigations Ongoing
The Lyceum, oldest building on the campus of the University of Mississippi on April 12, 2008 in Oxford, MississippiCredit: Wesley Hitt/Getty
The University of Mississippi confirmed that two students were found dead on Sept. 21 in separate locations on or near campus, prompting two independent investigations by local authorities.
What Happened
According to local dispatch records obtained by Action News 5, officers were sent to Stewart Hall shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 after a report of a "possible overdose." First responders arrived to find an unresponsive person and were performing CPR. Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill confirmed to PEOPLE that one student died on campus and another died elsewhere in Oxford.
Evidence Found at Both Scenes
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said in a press release that packaged kratom, sold by an unnamed retail outlet, was recovered at both scenes. The agency emphasized there is currently no confirmed evidence linking kratom or any other substance to either death.
Authorities' Guidance
Authorities urged caution with unregulated products and recommended avoiding kratom or any medication or substance that was not prescribed or obtained from a trusted, regulated source. Lafayette County Metro Narcotics also asked the community to refrain from speculation while investigators work to determine the causes of death.
"Out of an abundance of caution", avoid kratom and unprescribed substances, and please do not speculate about the circumstances or causes while investigations are ongoing,
University Response and Resources
The university described the news as "heartbroken," extended condolences to the families and friends of the students, and warned the public about circulating unverified information on social media. University officials confirmed the Coroner's Office has verified two student deaths and that university police are not aware of additional fatalities.
Free naloxone (Narcan) is available at no charge from vending machines on campus and in the downtown parking garage in Oxford. The university previously hosted an event on Sept. 16 with representatives from the office of Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch to train students in recognizing overdoses and administering Narcan.
The university and local agencies — including University of Mississippi Police, the Oxford Police Department and the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office — continue to investigate. Officials asked residents and students to allow investigators to determine the facts and to avoid sharing or amplifying unconfirmed reports.
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