The University of Mississippi has identified the two students who were found dead on Monday as freshman Aidan Hamilton and junior Robert Strang. Hamilton, from Englewood, Colorado, and Strang, from Atlanta, Georgia, were confirmed by the university on Thursday with permission from their families, who have requested privacy during this difficult time.
In a message to the campus community, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead expressed the university's condolences, stating, "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 discovered in a campus dormitory, while the other was found within Oxford city limits. The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics unit is conducting two separate probes and has said there is no confirmed evidence linking the two deaths. However, investigators noted that packaged kratom, sold at a retail store, was found at both scenes.
In a public advisory, authorities urged caution: "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." They also asked the public to refrain from speculation while the investigations continue.
Strang's family released 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."
Governor Tate Reeves (R) announced that the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics are assisting local law enforcement and working to expedite toxicology reports. "Mississippi is praying for the families and friends of the two Ole Miss students," he wrote on social media.
What is kratom?
Kratom is an herbal substance derived from tropical trees in Southeast Asia that can produce "opioid- and stimulant-like effects," according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). It contains compounds such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which are known to affect the body. Kratom is sold in capsule and powder forms, and can be mixed into foods and beverages, sometimes marketed as a "euphoric seltzer." Proponents claim it improves mood, focus, and energy.
The American Kratom Association notes that kratom interacts with the same brain receptors affected by chocolate, coffee, and exercise. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medical use of kratom. NIDA reports that some individuals use it to manage withdrawal symptoms, pain, fatigue, and mental health issues. A 2024 survey indicated that over 1.8 million Americans aged 12 and older had used kratom in the past year.
Mac Haddow, senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association, told Nexstar's WPRI that kratom "really deals with the normal stresses of daily life and the aches and pains related to it."
Safety concerns and regulatory landscape
Research into kratom's short- and long-term effects is ongoing. NIDA warns of potential side effects such as nausea, constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness, while healthcare providers have reported tremors, seizures, high blood pressure, and liver problems in some patients. A recent CDC report noted an increase in poison center calls related to kratom, with a spike coinciding with the emergence of high-potency, semisynthetic formulations like 7-hydroxymitragynine.
As investigations continue, officials are urging the public to avoid kratom and any unregulated substances. For more on the kratom findings in these probes, and to stay informed on broader health and policy issues, follow The World Signal.
