Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, Ole Miss students, died in separate incidents on Sept. 21. Authorities say the deaths do not appear connected; packaged kratom was found in both probes, but no substance has been confirmed as a contributing factor.
WLBT reported that Hamilton was found unresponsive on campus and later died. Action News 5, citing a Lafayette County dispatch recording, said officers were sent to Stewart Hall after a report of a possible overdose. Fox 5 Atlanta reported that Strang died at an off-campus home.
Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell urged the public to avoid speculation and said foul play cannot be ruled out until the investigations and toxicology testing are complete. Lafayette County Metro Narcotics advised avoiding kratom and other medication or substances not prescribed or obtained from a trusted, regulated source, out of caution.
