Two University of Mississippi students have been found dead in Oxford, with the causes of death currently under investigation by law enforcement.
The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit said packaged kratom from a retail store was found at both locations. The agency has not confirmed that the deaths are connected or determined whether kratom or any other substance played a role in either death. Out of an abundance of caution, the agency encouraged students to avoid kratom.
The exact times of death have not been confirmed, but they are believed to have occurred between Friday, September 18, and Monday, September 21, according to The Daily Mississippian.
The two students have not yet been publicly identified.
The University of Mississippi confirmed the deaths of two students in a statement from Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead.
Mead said the university was aware of “considerable unverified information” circulating on social media and in the community about the deaths. She said the Coroner’s Office had confirmed two student deaths and that University Police were not aware of any additional student deaths.
Mead also said University Police remain in contact with local and state law enforcement and that the causes of the two deaths remain under investigation.
The university urged the community not to speculate about the circumstances of the deaths or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed.
University Police said they remain in contact with local and state law enforcement and are not aware of any additional student deaths.
Narcan is available on campus as a free resource for members of the Ole Miss community.