OXFORD, Miss. (WMC) – Two University of Mississippi students have died, the Lafayette County coroner confirmed to Action News 5 on Tuesday.
Packaged kratom purchased from a retail store was discovered during investigations into the deaths, according to Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit.
According to narcotics investigators, law enforcement is handling the cases as two separate death investigations. At this time, officials have no confirmed evidence linking the two deaths, nor do they have confirmation that kratom or any other substance contributed to either death. At this time, it remains unclear how either student died, the university told Action News 5.
EN ESPAÑOL | Dos estudiantes universitarios son encontrados muertos; investigación en curso
According to a Lafayette County dispatch recording obtained by Action News 5, public safety officials were dispatched to Stewart Hall on the Ole Miss campus just after 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, for a report of a “possible overdose.” First responders were told the individual was unresponsive and that CPR was actively in progress.
Action News 5 has reached out to the university, campus police, and local law enforcement agencies for further details.
The University of Mississippi released the following statement to Action News 5:
“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.”
The university urged students in need of support to contact campus resources:
University Counseling CenterUMatter: Student Support & Advocacy
Just last week, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch posted to social media, stating her office has “trained students at The University of Mississippi – Ole Miss on how to administer Narcan and provided students with the tools they need to help save a life in the event of an overdose.”
On Tuesday, Fitch’s office provided a statement following the 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 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.”
In July, the City of Oxford installed a Narcan vending machine to expand life-saving resources and to offer recover support.
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