Two University of Mississippi students who died earlier this week have been identified.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead issued a statement to the campus identifying the two students who died as Aidan Hamilton, a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Robert Strang, a junior from Atlanta.
An official cause of death has not been provided for Hamilton or Englewood, but the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office said kratom was found at both scenes and that it is not ruling out the possibility of an overdose.
Read Mead’s full statement below:
“Dear students, faculty and staff,
“As our university community continues to mourn the recent tragic loss of two of our students, I encourage everyone to remember that at the center of this are two grieving families, who are processing the unimaginable loss of a child.
“We have been in touch with the families to offer our deepest sympathies and share university support and resources. Until now, we have upheld their wishes not to release the names of their students. Today, the families of Aidan Hamilton, a freshman from Englewood, Colo., and Robert Strang, a junior from Atlanta, have given us permission to share their names. The families have asked for privacy as they grieve.
“We offer heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and classmates of Aidan and Robert. While there are no words that can alleviate the tremendous sorrow they are experiencing, please keep them close in your thoughts and prayers during this time of immense grief.
“We are grateful to our University Police and law enforcement partners, who are committed to upholding the safety and well-being of our community and are working swiftly to investigate these cases. We know there is heightened media attention and that you may be eager for answers. We also recognize that inaccurate information is being shared by individuals who do not have access to the facts. We can all help by not repeating information that has not been officially confirmed and by avoiding public speculation about what happened or why, especially as the causes of the two deaths are still under investigation.
“The University of Mississippi is a close, supportive community. I encourage anyone in need of support to reach out to those around them, or to seek assistance from university support services, including the University Counseling Center and UMatter: Student Support & Advocacy.
“We are grateful for the care, understanding and support being shared as our campus community navigates this difficult time.”
Original reports:
According to WMC Action 5 News, an NBC Station in Memphis, public safety officials were dispatched to Stewart Hall on the Ole Miss Campus just after 1:30 p.m. Monday for a report of a “possible overdose.” In that instance, the person was unresponsive and given CPR.
No other details were provided on the circumstances surrounding the second student’s death.
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement stating it is currently conducting two separate death investigations but has not confirmed evidence indicating that the deaths are connected.
According to the LCSO, packaged kratom sold from a retail store was found during both investigations.
It says it has not confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death.
What are kratom’s uses and risks and how are states regulating it?
Ole Miss police are working with state and local law enforcement to investigate, and at this time, it remains unclear how the students died.
The deaths come a few days after LSU and Ole Miss played each other Saturday in Oxford.
Ole Miss reacts:
Ole Miss issued a statement on the deaths of its students:
“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.
“We are aware that considerable unverified information is circulating on social media and in the community regarding these recent student deaths. The Coroner’s Office has confirmed two student deaths, and University Police are 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.
“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.”
Mississippi attorney general issues statement:
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following statement regarding the students’ deaths:
“One Pill Can Kill is not just a slogan. It’s a fact. It is why we have worked so hard with universities to raise awareness about fake pills, to spread Narcan as far and wide as possible, and to train students on what to do if someone is overdosing. We have reached out to our partners, including the Ole Miss Magee Center and HarborPath, to surge the resources and information needed to stop these tragic deaths. Our prayers are with the families and friends already impacted.”
Fitch created an initiative called “One Pill Can Kill” to fight the fentanyl epidemic. On Tuesday, Fitch’s office was at Ole Miss, training students on how to give Narcan and how to respond to an overdose.
This is an ongoing investigation.
What is kratom?
Kratom comes from a tree in Southeast Asia. Its leaves are used to make supplements, which are also called kratom.
Kratom is sold in many forms, including pills, teas and tonics.
Kratom can have multiple uses. In some instances, it can be used as a stimulant. In larger amounts, kratom can be used like a sedative.
Public health officials across the country have voiced concerns about kratom being used in highly concentrated ways.
Kratom is not legal in Louisiana and is restricted in Mississippi.
In many states where kratom is legal, it is accessible on store shelves.
Is kratom an opioid?
According to Yale Medicine, kratom is not considered an opioid because it is not derived from the opium poppy. However, kratom can still lead to physical opioid dependence and opioid addiction.
Can you overdose on kratom?
Yes, overdoses can happen to people while taking kratom, but it is rare, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Mayo Clinic reports that many problems linked to pain medicines happen when people take them at high doses or for a long time. Experts do not know what level of kratom can cause those problems.
READ MORE:Two Ole Miss students found dead identified. Here’s the latest on the investigation
