2 Ole Miss Students Found Dead As Investigators Find Kratom At Both Scenes

2 Ole Miss Students Found Dead

Two University of Mississippi students were found dead in separate incidents in Oxford, Mississippi, on Monday, Sept. 21, according to authorities. Investigators found packaged kratom purchased from a retail store during both investigations. The students were identified as 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton, a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and 20-year-old Robert Strang, a junior from Atlanta.

Hamilton was found at Stewart Hall on the Ole Miss campus, while Strang was found at an off-campus residence. Authorities are investigating the deaths as separate incidents and have not said that the two cases are connected.

Investigators Find Kratom

Kratom was discovered during both investigations, according to the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit. Officials have emphasized that finding the substance at both locations does not establish that kratom caused either death.

The causes of death have not been determined. Autopsies and toxicology testing are expected to provide investigators with additional information about what happened. Kratom is an herbal substance made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. Its effects can vary depending on the amount consumed and may include stimulant-like or sedative effects. The presence of kratom has raised questions surrounding the circumstances of the students’ deaths, but investigators have not confirmed a connection between the substance and either fatality.

Separate Investigations Continue

Authorities have said there is currently no confirmed evidence indicating that the two deaths are connected. One of the investigations began after emergency responders were called to Stewart Hall shortly after 1:30 p.m. Monday. Responders found an unresponsive individual and attempted to provide emergency medical assistance.

The second student was found at an off-campus residence. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding each death, including toxicology results and other evidence collected during the investigations.

Ole Miss Community Mourns

The University of Mississippi has acknowledged the deaths and expressed condolences to the students’ families, friends and loved ones. University officials have also urged students and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information while authorities work to determine the causes of death.

At this time, officials have not determined that kratom caused either student’s death. The substance’s presence at both locations remains an investigative detail, while the official causes of death are pending. The investigations remain ongoing, and additional information is expected once autopsy and toxicology results become available.