Two University of Mississippi students found dead in separate incidents in Oxford, Mississippi, have been identified as Robert Strang, 20, and Aidan Hamilton, 18.
Strang, a junior from Atlanta, was found at an off-campus house, while Hamilton, a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, is believed to have been discovered in Stewart Hall, a men’s residence on the Ole Miss campus.
The deaths occurred on Monday, September 21, and are being investigated by the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit. Authorities have said there is currently no evidence linking the cases.
Ole Miss student deaths remain under investigation
Packages of commercially available kratom were recovered at both locations, but investigators have not established whether the substance played any role in either death. Officials have urged students and members of the public not to speculate while toxicology tests are pending.
Foul play has not been ruled out, and no official cause or manner of death has been released for either student. Toxicology results are expected to take time, although state agencies are assisting local authorities in an effort to speed up the process.
Mississippi’s Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Narcotics joined the investigation after Governor Tate Reeves said the state would provide support to Oxford law enforcement.
“Mississippi is praying for the families and friends of the two Ole Miss students during this incredibly difficult time,” Mr Reeves said in a statement on Wednesday.
Strang’s family said they were “heartbroken” by his death and asked for privacy as they tried to come to terms with the loss.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers and support by so many beloved friends and family,” the family said through its lawyer. “Their kindness has meant more to our family than we can ever express.”
Strang was involved with the university’s Phi Delta Theta fraternity and had been named as one of seven co-chairmen responsible for the group’s 2026 recruitment campaign, according to posts shared by the fraternity’s Ole Miss chapter.
The university has encouraged students seeking help to contact its counselling centre or UMatter, a student support and advocacy service. Black ribbons have also been placed outside fraternity and sorority houses on campus as students mourn their classmates.
