The University of Mississippi has identified the two students who died on Monday as freshman Aidan Hamilton and junior Robert Strang. The university released the names Thursday with permission from the families, who have asked for privacy as they mourn. Hamilton was from Englewood, Colorado, and Strang was from Atlanta, according to university records.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead expressed condolences in a message to the campus community, saying, "We have been in touch with the families to offer our deepest sympathies and share university support and resources."
The causes of death remain under investigation. One student was found dead in a dorm on campus, and the other was found dead within city limits. Strang's family issued a statement through a spokesperson, saying they are "heartbroken by the loss of our dear son, Robert," and thanked friends and relatives for their support, asking for "privacy, understanding and compassion."
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics is conducting two separate investigations. At this point, there is no confirmed evidence linking the two deaths. However, investigators said packaged kratom sold from a retail store was found during both investigations. In an abundance of caution, authorities are urging everyone to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to them or obtained from a trusted, regulated source.
Officials also warned against speculation while the investigations continue. Mead noted, "We recognize that inaccurate information is being shared by individuals who do not have access to the facts."
Governor Tate Reeves (R) said the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics are assisting local law enforcement and working to expedite toxicology reports. In a post on social platform X, he wrote, "Mississippi is praying for the families and friends of the two Ole Miss students."
What is kratom?
Kratom is an herbal substance derived from tropical trees in Southeast Asia. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it can produce "opioid- and stimulant-like effects." It contains compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which are being studied for their effects on the body.
Kratom is sold in capsule and powder forms, with the powder often mixed into foods and beverages, including so-called "euphoric seltzers." Products are frequently advertised as boosting mood, focus, and energy. The American Kratom Association notes that the substance can interact with the same brain receptors affected by chocolate, coffee, and exercise.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any use of kratom. NIDA reports that some people have used it to manage drug withdrawal symptoms, pain, fatigue, and mental health issues. In a 2024 survey, more than 1.8 million people aged 12 and older reported using kratom in the previous year.
Is kratom safe?
Research into kratom's short- and long-term effects is ongoing. NIDA warns that some users have reported nausea, constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness, while healthcare providers have seen tremors, seizures, high blood pressure, and liver problems in patients. Reactions can vary based on the person, product, and amount consumed.
A recent CDC report showed an increase in poison center calls related to kratom, with a spike coinciding with the emergence of high-potency, semisynthetic formulations, including 7-hydroxymitragynine. For more on the broader context of kratom's regulation, see our coverage of the investigations. Nexstar's Addy Bink contributed to this report.
