Two University of Mississippi students were found dead Monday in separate incidents in Oxford and on campus, with packaged kratom discovered during both death investigations, according to law enforcement officials. Local, state, and federal authorities are treating the inquiries as separate cases and have not confirmed that kratom or any other substance contributed to the deaths.
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Investigation Details
The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics unit stated Tuesday that it has no information linking the two student deaths. Capt. Alex Fauver, commander of the Metro Narcotics unit, noted in a phone interview that packaged kratom was found at each student’s residence. Authorities have not publicly identified the deceased students.
Mayor Robyn Tannehill confirmed that one student was found dead on campus while the other was discovered in the city of Oxford. According to a Lafayette County dispatch obtained by Action News 5 and cited by the New York Post, public safety officials responded to Stewart Hall on campus around 1:30 p.m. Monday for a reported possible overdose, where an individual was found unresponsive and given CPR.
Did You Know? Kratom is derived from a Southeast Asia tree and has gained popularity in the U.S. as an unapproved treatment for pain, anxiety, and drug dependence, often sold at gas stations or online.
Campus Reaction and Community Response
Raegan Settle, a senior and student editor-in-chief of the student newspaper The Daily Mississippian, described the campus mood as really frantic as details emerged Tuesday. Students have begun hanging black ribbons around their sorority and fraternity houses, according to Settle. Greek organizations on campus are actively reminding members not to take anything unprescribed by a doctor.
The university released a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss and offering condolences to families and friends. Both the university and Lafayette County Metro Narcotics have urged the public to avoid speculation regarding the circumstances or cause of either death while investigations continue, acknowledging significant unverified information and rumors circulating on social media.
Health Risks and Legal Status of Kratom
Kratom can produce stimulating or sedating effects depending on the dosage, and the Drug Enforcement Administration notes it can also trigger psychotic symptoms. While not federally banned, the DEA lists kratom as a drug and chemical of concern. The Mayo Clinic characterizes kratom as unsafe and ineffective, noting it has been linked to a small number of deaths that nearly always involved other drugs or substances.
Locally, kratom has been banned by local laws in Oxford, Mississippi, though it remains available for purchase in surrounding counties, according to Capt. Alex Fauver. In light of the ongoing investigations, Lafayette County Metro Narcotics stated, “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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the two student deaths connected?
No. According to Lafayette County Metro Narcotics, authorities have no confirmed evidence or information indicating that the two deaths are linked, and the incidents are being treated as separate inquiries.
What substance was found during the investigations?
Law enforcement officials stated that packaged kratom sold from a retail store was found at the residences during both death investigations.
Have authorities confirmed the cause of death?
No. Authorities emphasized that they have not confirmed that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death.
What are communities and officials advising the public to do?
Officials urged the public to avoid speculation and misinformation, while Lafayette County Metro Narcotics encouraged everyone to avoid kratom and any unprescribed medications or substances obtained outside trusted, regulated sources.
How do local laws treat kratom in the area?
According to Capt. Alex Fauver, kratom has been banned by local laws in Oxford, Mississippi, though it can still be bought in surrounding counties.
What are the documented effects of kratom according to federal agencies?
The Drug Enforcement Administration states that kratom can produce stimulating or sedating effects depending on dosage, as well as psychotic symptoms, and lists it as a drug and chemical of concern.
How many students have been impacted or identified?
Authorities have not publicly identified the two students, and Capt. Alex Fauver and the university confirmed there have been no other student deaths or additional community members impacted.
How are student communities and university administrations best equipped to manage campus-wide grief and misinformation during active law enforcement investigations?
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