Two Ole Miss students found dead. Packaged kratom recovered by officials

Two University of Mississippi students were confirmed dead Tuesday, Sept. 22, though the causes of death remain under investigation, according to authorities.

UM Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead released a public statement at 1:50 p.m. Tuesday stating the Lafayette County Coroner's Office confirmed two students were dead. The students' identities were not immediately released.

"The University is heartbroken by the recent loss of two students and extends our condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time," Mead wrote.

The county's coroner Glenn Coleman told the Clarion Ledger one student was an 18-year-old male, and the other student was a 20-year-old male.

Coleman said one student was found inside his dorm on campus, and the other was found in his home off campus. Coleman said autopsies and toxicology tests are scheduled for the two students. Coleman said the toxicology results are expected to be completed in two-to-three weeks.

"I encourage everyone to keep the families in their prayers," Coleman said.

Mead said the University Police Department is "not aware of any additional student deaths."

"University Police remain in contact with local and state law enforcement and the causes of the two deaths are still under investigation," Mead wrote.

According to a statement released by the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics at 2:06 p.m. Tuesday, law enforcement is conducting two separate death investigations as they have "no confirmed evidence indicating that the two deaths are connected."

The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics disclosed that packaged Kratom sold from a retail store was found during both investigations.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, kratom is an herbal substance that can have both opioid-like and stimulant-like effects. Some reports show people using kratom for pain, fatigue, mental health concerns or to manage opioid withdrawal and cravings.

"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," the agency's statement reads. "We do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death."

Law enforcement reminded the public that "free Narcan is available through vending machines on campus and at the downtown parking garages within the City of Oxford." Narcan can be used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

The agency urged the public to "avoid speculation" regarding the circumstances or causes of either death.

University officials said "unverified information" is circulating on social media and in the community regarding the deaths. The university did not specify what those unverified remarks entailed in its statement.

"We encourage our community not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed. We appreciate your understanding and support for our campus community during this difficult time," the university said.

Campus officials reminded the Ole Miss community "to lean on one another and seek support when needed" from the University Counseling Center and UMatter, a student support and advocacy department.

Pam Dankins is the breaking news reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Have a tip? Email her at [email protected].