Concerns Rise at Ole Miss Following Student Deaths and Drug Incidents
WHO:
Fox News - The two deceased students were both males, with one found dead in a dorm room and the other in an off-campus home.
Fox News - The names of the deceased students have not been released yet, and toxicology reports are pending.
Fox News - The younger victim of the two deceased students was 18 years old, while the other was 20 years old.
CNN - Olivia Claire Williford, president of the university’s Associated Student Body, stated, "This has been difficult for our student body, but I have also seen tremendous compassion, kindness, and support throughout our community."
Fox News - Ole Miss student Mary Harvey reported being drugged at a bar.
Fox News - Kenneth Tonos, an Ole Miss student, works security for several fraternities and sororities on campus.
CNN - Olivia Claire Williford is the president of the university’s Associated Student Body.
CNN - Dr. Shawnboda Mead is the vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Mississippi.
CNN - Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves commented on the situation.
WHAT:
Fox News - Mary Harvey reported that she was drugged at a bar and later found passed out in the hallway of her dorm.
Fox News - Kenneth Tonos stated that bars are tightening security measures to track what patrons bring in.
Fox News - Several fraternities and sororities have placed black ribbons outside their on-campus homes in mourning for the deceased students.
CNN - The state attorney general recently trained students at The University of Mississippi on how to administer Narcan and provided them with the tools needed to help save a life in the event of an overdose.
Fox News - Two college-aged students were found dead at separate locations in Oxford, Mississippi.
Fox News - Packaged kratom was recovered in both investigations related to the student deaths.
Fox News - At least three Greek life events have been canceled following the deaths.
CNN - Autopsies are being scheduled for the deceased students.
CNN - The use, purchase, possession, distribution, and sale of kratom products has been illegal in Lafayette County since 2021.
WHERE:
Fox News - The incidents occurred in Oxford, Mississippi, specifically at the University of Mississippi.
CNN - The students were found dead at their homes on and off the campus in Oxford.
WHEN:
Fox News - The Ole Miss football game against Louisiana State University occurred on September 30, 2023.
CNN - Mississippi is in the third year of its One Pill Can Kill initiative aimed at reducing overdose deaths.
WHY:
Fox News - There are fears running rampant through the college town following the deaths and incidents of drugging.
CNN - Governor Tate Reeves emphasized that illegal drugs are a serious problem at colleges and universities.
HOW:
CNN - The federal government has recently cracked down on some potent kratom-related compounds, which have been associated with addiction and poisoning.
CNN - The federal government has recently cracked down on some potent kratom-related compounds, which have been associated with mild to severe cases of addiction and poisoning.
Fox News - Mary Harvey was placed in an Uber by police after being found passed out.
CNN - The federal government has cracked down on some potent kratom-related compounds.
(UPDATED September 24, 2026 17:59 UTC)
Tragic news has emerged as two male students were found dead, one in a dorm room and the other in an off-campus home, with their names yet to be released and toxicology reports pending. In a related incident, Mary Harvey reported being drugged at a bar and later found unconscious in her dorm hallway, prompting Kenneth Tonos to note that bars are tightening security measures to monitor what patrons bring inside. Meanwhile, the federal government is taking action against potent kratom-related compounds linked to addiction and poisoning.
--
(UPDATED September 24, 2026 14:59 UTC)
Tragedy has struck as two students have lost their lives, one aged 18 and the other 20, prompting an outpouring of grief from the community. Olivia Claire Williford, president of the university’s Associated Student Body, expressed the difficulty of the situation while highlighting the compassion and support shown by students and staff, with several fraternities and sororities mourning by placing black ribbons outside their homes. In response to the crisis, the state attorney general has trained students at The University of Mississippi on how to use Narcan, amidst a federal crackdown on potent kratom-related compounds linked to addiction and poisoning.
--
(UPDATED September 24, 2026 11:02 UTC)
Tragedy has struck Oxford, Mississippi, where two college-aged students were found dead at separate locations, prompting investigations that uncovered packaged kratom at both scenes. In response to these incidents, at least three Greek life events have been canceled, and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has highlighted the serious issue of illegal drugs on college campuses. Meanwhile, autopsies are being scheduled for the deceased students, and fears are growing within the community following reports of drugging incidents, including one involving Ole Miss student Mary Harvey, who was found passed out and placed in an Uber by police.