Law Enforcement Gives Warning To Public Amid Investigations Into Deaths Of 2 Ole Miss Students
on
According to the University of Mississippi, two of its students have died, and an investigation is underway.
On Monday, Sept. 21, a call to 911 was made around 1:30 p.m. CT regarding a “possible overdose” at the university’s Stewart Hall, local Action News 5 reported, adding that CPR was in progress for the unresponsive student.
Presently, it is unclear how this student died, but the death of a second student has led to significant speculation and concern, as noted by the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics.
The circumstances regarding the death of the second student have not yet been disclosed, but law enforcement has confirmed that packaged kratom — a substance sometimes referred to as a “gas station opioid” — was found during investigations of both deaths.
Now, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office has issued a special request to the public.
RELATED: Common Gas Station Opioids Targeted By RFK Jr. In New Crackdown
Law Enforcement Issues Warning About Kratom After Ole Miss Student Deaths
University of Mississippi, which is often called Ole Miss, is located in Oxford, Mississippi, which is in Lafayette County.
There, kratom is legal, but can only be sold to individuals who are 21 or older, and it must be kept behind the counter.
Kratom, which is a plant in Southeast Asia, can be a sedative or a stimulant, depending on the quantity consumed, the Clarion Ledger reports.
HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, recommended last year for kratom and other 7-OH opioids — also known as 7-hydroxymitragynine — to be federally regulated, seeking a Schedule I classification as an illicit substance.
In a 2025 press release, the FDA said, “7-OH is increasingly recognized as having potential for abuse because of its ability to bind to opioid receptors.”
That recommendation is under review.
Often sold in powder form, kratom sold in gas stations and other retail locations, like dispensaries, contains 7-OH and may contain trace elements of mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), the latter of which received a federal Schedule I classification from the Department of Justice in August.
So far, several states have banned kratom, including:
- Alabama;
- Arkansas;
- Connecticut;
- Indiana;
- Louisiana;
- Tennessee;
- Vermont; and
- Wisconsin.
Massachusetts has implemented a one-year temporary ban on kratom, as of Aug 28; and Kentucky’s ban will begin next year.
Now, kratom is in the spotlight after it was found at the scene of two student deaths at Ole Miss.
While the separate investigations into the deaths are underway, Lafayette County Metro Narcotics issued a warning to the public on Tuesday, Sept. 22, saying:
“Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage everyone to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source.”
The statement from Lafayette County Metro Narcotics goes on to note, “At this time, we have no confirmed evidence indicating that the two deaths are connected.”
Further, Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said, “We do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death.”
As of Sept. 23, the identities of the two Ole Miss students have not yet been released.
A statement issued on Sept. 22 by Dr. Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Mississippi, said, “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.”
Dr. Mead went on to say:
“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.”
View the full statement, here:
Message from Dr. Shawnboda Mead, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs pic.twitter.com/EVng7fxLKo
— Ole Miss (@OleMiss) September 22, 2026
This is a developing story.
RELATED: Outlaw Country Singer Creed Fisher Shares Mugshot Online After Arrest
