Tragic Deaths of Two Ole Miss Students Linked to Kratom

WHO:

NBC News - The two deceased students were found on a Monday.

NY Post - Two students from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) were found dead.

Fox News - The University of Mississippi confirmed that both deceased individuals were students.

WHAT:

Fox News - A news release from Lafayette County Metro Narcotics stated that the deaths are considered separate incidents, and no evidence indicates that kratom or any other substance contributed to either death.

Fox News - The University of Mississippi confirmed that both deceased individuals were students there.

Fox News - The agency stated, "We do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death."

Fox News - A news release from Lafayette County Metro Narcotics stated that the deaths are considered separate incidents.

Fox News - The agency confirmed that there is no evidence indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death.

NBC News - An investigation is underway at the University of Mississippi following the discovery of the two students' bodies.

Fox News - Lafayette County Metro Narcotics stated that packaged kratom sold from a retail store was recovered in both investigations.

Fox News - The agency confirmed that there is no evidence indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death.

CNN - The local coroner’s office has confirmed only two student deaths, and the university is aware of “considerable unverified information” circulating on social media.

CNN - The Oxford Police Department stated that the weekend prior to the deaths was described as a success, with crowds being "well behaved" and an "incredible amount of energy throughout the weekend."

CBS News US - Packaged kratom was found in the rooms of the two Ole Miss students who were discovered dead.

CNN - The University of Mississippi's vice chancellor for student affairs, Dr. Shawnboda Mead, expressed condolences, stating, "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."

CNN - The Oxford Police Department reported that the weekend prior to the deaths was described as a success, with crowds being "well behaved" and an "incredible amount of energy throughout the weekend."

NBC News - Two University of Mississippi students died this week, and packaged kratom was found during the separate death investigations, according to law enforcement officials.

NY Post - Packaged kratom sold from a retail store was recovered at both scenes of the deaths.

TMZ - Law enforcement is warning people to stay away from kratom following the deaths of the two students.

Fox News - Lafayette County Metro Narcotics stated that the deaths are under investigation and are considered separate incidents.

WHERE:

NY Post - The deaths occurred at separate locations in Lafayette County, Mississippi.

Fox News - The University of Mississippi is located in Oxford, Mississippi.

WHEN:

Fox News - A college football game between the LSU Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels is scheduled for Sept. 27, 2025.

WHY:

CNN - Authorities have warned residents to avoid kratom and "any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source."

Fox News - Authorities have not confirmed any connection between the deaths or indicated that kratom or any other substance contributed to either death.

HOW:

Fox News - Law enforcement is warning people to stay away from kratom following the deaths of the two students.

NBC News - Packaged kratom was found during the separate searches and investigations related to the deaths.

CNN - Signs of kratom poisoning include high blood pressure, vomiting, heart attack, tremors, seizures, delusions, hallucinations, liver damage, and an increased heart rate, known as tachycardia.

CNN - Kratom poisoning calls in the U.S. have spiked more than 1,200% between 2015 and 2025, with 3,434 kratom poisoning reports last year, a record number, up from only 258 calls in 2015.

Fox News - The investigation involves law enforcement examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the presence of kratom at both scenes.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 20:58 UTC)

A news release from Lafayette County Metro Narcotics has confirmed that the deaths of two University of Mississippi students are considered separate incidents, with no evidence suggesting that kratom or any other substance played a role in either case. The agency stated, "We do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death." In light of these events, law enforcement is advising the public to stay away from kratom.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 16:58 UTC)

A news release from Lafayette County Metro Narcotics has stated that the deaths of two students are considered separate incidents. The agency confirmed there is no evidence suggesting that kratom or any other substance contributed to either death. However, law enforcement is warning the public to stay away from kratom in light of these tragic events.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 14:59 UTC)

An investigation is currently underway at the University of Mississippi after the bodies of two students were discovered on a Monday. During separate searches related to the deaths, packaged kratom was found, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Authorities are working diligently to gather more information as they continue their inquiries.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 13:58 UTC)

Lafayette County Metro Narcotics reported that packaged kratom sold from a retail store was recovered during two investigations. The agency also confirmed that there is no evidence suggesting that kratom or any other substance played a role in either death. This information comes from a recent update provided by Fox News.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 03:58 UTC)

The local coroner’s office has confirmed that two students have died, while the university acknowledges there is considerable unverified information circulating on social media. The Oxford Police Department reported that the weekend before the deaths was a success, with crowds described as well-behaved and an incredible amount of energy throughout. Signs of kratom poisoning can include high blood pressure, vomiting, heart attack, tremors, seizures, delusions, hallucinations, liver damage, and an increased heart rate known as tachycardia.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 02:04 UTC)

Tragic news has emerged from Ole Miss, where two students were found dead in their rooms. Authorities have reported that packaged kratom was discovered at the scene. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

(UPDATED September 22, 2026 23:58 UTC)

The University of Mississippi is mourning the loss of two students, with Vice Chancellor Dr. Shawnboda Mead offering heartfelt condolences to their families and friends during this challenging time. Meanwhile, the Oxford Police Department noted that the weekend prior to the deaths was marked by well-behaved crowds and a vibrant atmosphere. Authorities are urging residents to steer clear of kratom and any unregulated substances, as calls related to kratom poisoning have surged dramatically, increasing over 1,200% in the past decade, with last year's reports reaching a record high of 3,434.

(UPDATED September 22, 2026 22:59 UTC)

Two University of Mississippi students tragically died this week, and law enforcement officials have reported that packaged kratom was discovered during the separate investigations into their deaths. The circumstances surrounding these incidents are still being examined as authorities work to gather more information. This development has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with kratom use.

(UPDATED September 22, 2026 22:01 UTC)

Tragic news from the University of Mississippi, where two students were found dead at separate locations in Lafayette County. Law enforcement is investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths, which included the recovery of packaged kratom at both scenes, and they are urging the public to stay away from the substance. While authorities have not confirmed any connection between the incidents or indicated that kratom contributed to the deaths, the investigation is ongoing.