Two University of Mississippi students have died in separate incidents in Oxford, Mississippi, with packaged kratom found at both scenes as police investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Aidan Hamilton, a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Robert Strang, a junior from Atlanta, were found dead on Monday, September 21. Hamilton was discovered at Stewart Hall on campus, while Strang was found at an off-campus property. ([wtva.com](https://www.wtva.com/2026/09/23/coroner-gives-update-after-death-two-ole-miss-students/?outputType=amp&utm_source=openai))
Authorities have stressed that there is no confirmed evidence linking the deaths, and have not established that kratom or any other substance contributed to either death.
The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit said packaged kratom bought from a retail outlet was recovered during both investigations. Investigators have urged people not to speculate while toxicology and autopsy work continues. ([mississippitoday.org](https://mississippitoday.org/2026/09/22/kratom-warning-ole-miss-deaths-mississippi-oxford/?utm_source=openai))
What is known about the Ole Miss student deaths
The two students were aged 18 and 20, according to the Lafayette County coroner. Officials have said the causes of death remain undetermined, with toxicology results expected to take time. ([wtva.com](https://www.wtva.com/2026/09/23/coroner-gives-update-after-death-two-ole-miss-students/?outputType=amp&utm_source=openai))
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said the state Department of Public Safety and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics were assisting local investigators and working to expedite the toxicology reports.
“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,” police said in a statement. ([goodmorningamerica.com](https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/news/story/police-investigating-2-ole-miss-students-deaths-after-136682776?utm_source=openai))
The University of Mississippi has warned students and staff about unverified claims circulating online. In a message to the campus community, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead said the families had asked for privacy as they mourned.
What is kratom and why is it under scrutiny?
Kratom is derived from the leaves of a tropical tree native to south-east Asia. It is sold in products including powders, capsules, liquids, gummies and tablets, and is often marketed for pain, mood or opioid-withdrawal symptoms.
Its effects can vary with the dose. Lower amounts may act as a stimulant, while higher amounts can cause sedation, impaired coordination and slowed breathing. The unregulated nature of many products also means consumers may not know the strength or ingredients of what they are taking.
The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for medical use. The substance is legal federally but is banned or restricted in parts of the United States, including some jurisdictions in Mississippi.
Officials have not said whether the substance found near the students played any role in their deaths. The investigation remains ongoing.
