OXFORD – Authorities are investigating the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, with law enforcement saying Tuesday that the causes of death remain unknown and investigators have not confirmed whether the cases are connected.
The Lafayette County coroner confirmed the two deaths. The students’ identities have not been released.
A dispatch recording indicates that emergency responders were sent to Stewart Hall on the Ole Miss campus shortly after 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, for a report of a possible overdose. Dispatchers were told a person was unresponsive and CPR was underway.
Authorities have not confirmed that either student died from an overdose.
In a statement Tuesday, Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said law enforcement is conducting two separate death investigations and has no confirmed evidence that the deaths are connected.
Investigators also reported finding packaged kratom sold by a retail store during both investigations. The agency emphasized that there is no confirmed information indicating kratom or any other substance contributed to either death.
Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are working together to determine what happened, Metro Narcotics said.
The University of Mississippi expressed condolences to the students’ families, friends and loved ones. University police said they were not aware of any additional student deaths and urged the community not to spread unverified information.
As a precaution, Metro Narcotics encouraged residents to avoid kratom and medications or other substances that were not prescribed to them or obtained from a trusted, regulated source.
The agency also reminded residents that free Narcan is available through vending machines on campus and at the downtown parking garage in Oxford. Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
The university encouraged students who need support to contact its Counseling Center or UMatter: Student Support & Advocacy.
Investigators asked the public to respect the families’ privacy as they continue working to determine the circumstances of both deaths. Metro Narcotics said it would promptly notify the community if a confirmed threat to public safety is identified.
