The Lafayette County coroner said on Tuesday that two University of Mississippi students have died, and investigators found packaged kratom purchased from a retail store during the death investigations. Law enforcement is treating the cases as two separate death investigations while the causes remain under review.
Public safety officials were first sent to Stewart Hall on the Ole Miss campus just after 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, after a report of a possible overdose. First responders were told the person was unresponsive and that CPR was already under way.
University of Mississippi response
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." It also said, "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."
The university added, "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." That warning fits the facts in front of investigators: the deaths are known, but the cause of either death has not been established.
Lynn Fitch and Narcan
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch said her office had trained students at The University of Mississippi - Ole Miss on how to administer Narcan and had given them tools to help save a life in the event of an overdose. She said, "One Pill Can Kill is not just a slogan. It’s a fact."
Fitch also said, "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." She said, "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."
In July, the City of Oxford installed a Narcan vending machine to expand life-saving resources. For students and families tied to the two deaths, the immediate issue is not the package investigators found but whether local and state law enforcement can determine what caused either death.
Fitch closed by saying, "Our prayers are with the families and friends already impacted."
