Two University of Mississippi students were found dead in separate incidents this week, and authorities say packaged kratom was discovered at both locations as part of ongoing investigations into what happened. The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit confirmed the discovery but emphasized that the causes of death have not been determined, and there is currently no confirmed evidence that kratom played a role in either death.
The deaths, confirmed Tuesday by the Lafayette County Coroner’s Office, occurred on Monday, September 21. One student was found dead on campus and the other off campus, both in the locations where they were living, according to the coroner. The students were 18 and 20 years old. Autopsies were in the process of being scheduled and performed as of Tuesday afternoon.
The University of Mississippi said it is “heartbroken” by the losses and urged the campus community not to speculate about unconfirmed information circulating online. “The causes of the two deaths are still under investigation,” said Dr. Shawnboda Mead, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, in a statement.
What Happened in the Two Ole Miss Student Death Cases?
The two deaths occurred on Monday, September 21, 2026, according to the Lafayette County Coroner’s Office. Officials have described them as separate investigations.
One of the students was found on the Ole Miss campus, specifically at Stewart Hall, according to a police report cited by local news outlets. Public safety officials were dispatched to Stewart Hall just after 1:30 p.m. Monday following a report of a possible overdose, with CPR in progress. The other student was found off campus.
The students’ names have not been publicly released by authorities. The Lafayette County Coroner’s Office confirmed the deaths but has not released additional details about the circumstances. University Police said they are not aware of any additional student deaths beyond the two confirmed.
The two deaths occurred less than 48 hours after Ole Miss’s football victory over LSU, a significant campus event, though authorities have not suggested any connection between the celebration and the deaths.
Kratom Was Found at the Sites — What Does That Mean?
The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit stated that packaged kratom sold from a retail store was found during both investigations. This is the confirmed extent of what authorities have said about the substance.
The presence of kratom at a location does not by itself prove that it caused a death. Investigators collect substances and other evidence as part of determining what happened, and the discovery of any item at a scene is one piece of a broader investigative picture. The narcotics unit explicitly stated that they “have not confirmed that Kratom was the cause or involved in the deaths” and asked the public to “avoid speculation regarding the circumstances of the deaths.”
No toxicology results have been released. No medical examiner or coroner findings have been made public. Authorities have not said whether the kratom found was tested, whether packaging was analyzed, or whether the substance has been linked in any way to either student’s death. The investigations remain open.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a plant-based substance derived from Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. The leaves of the plant have traditionally been consumed in that region for pain relief, mood enhancement, and to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms.
In the United States, kratom is sold in a variety of forms: powders, teas, capsules, gummies, edibles, and liquid extracts. Products containing kratom or its derivatives are sometimes marketed as natural remedies for pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal. Neither kratom nor its derivatives, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for any medical use.
The effects of kratom can vary significantly depending on the product, the dose, and the individual. At lower doses, kratom can produce stimulant effects; at higher doses, it can produce opioid-like effects. Products sold in the U.S. can differ substantially in strength and formulation, and labeling may not always accurately reflect contents.
What Are the Known Health Risks of Kratom?
Health authorities have documented a range of adverse effects associated with kratom exposure. According to America’s Poison Centers, symptoms reported after kratom or 7-OH use include nausea and vomiting, agitation, confusion, sweating, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, trouble breathing, sleepiness or loss of consciousness, seizures, and dependence and withdrawal syndromes.
A 2026 CDC study using poison center data found that kratom exposures involving multiple substances were more likely to result in serious outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Of patients reporting exposure to kratom or kratom derivatives alone in 2026 data, 44.5% had serious health problems, and 25.9% were hospitalized.
Documented severe effects in medical literature include seizures, coma, respiratory depression, and cardiac dysrhythmias. A comprehensive analysis of poison center exposures from 2010 through 2023 found that fatal outcomes occurred in 174 reported cases, including 27 single-substance ingestions. However, polysubstance use appeared in 39% of total reports and was associated with a higher frequency of major life-threatening effects.
A 2025 review of case reports published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that among cases involving kratom, toxicology panels revealed confounding substances that could have caused or contributed to adverse effects in 32 deceased and seven surviving cases. The authors concluded that the literature “provides insufficient evidence to support the claim that kratom consumption alone increases the risk of severe acute adverse health effects.”
It is important to distinguish between possible or reported adverse effects of kratom in general and the confirmed cause of death in these specific Ole Miss cases. No such determination has been made.
Can Kratom Cause Death?
This question requires careful handling. Health authorities and medical literature document that kratom has been associated with serious adverse events in some reports, and that fatal cases have occurred. However, the relationship between kratom exposure and death is complex.
Most kratom-associated deaths reported in medical literature have involved multiple substances, not kratom alone. A 2025 review of case reports found that toxicology panels revealed confounding substances in the majority of deceased cases reviewed. The authors noted a pattern of “weak or inadequate toxicology testing and medical history” in the case reports they analyzed.
The CDC has documented 233 kratom-associated deaths nationwide between 2015 and 2025. Of those, 184—or 79%—involved multiple substances. This means that in the majority of reported fatal cases, other substances were also present.
In the Ole Miss cases, the cause of death has not been determined. Toxicology and autopsy results are necessary to establish whether any substance contributed to either death. The investigations remain ongoing, and no conclusions have been announced.
What Investigators Still Need to Determine
The investigative process in cases like these typically involves multiple steps. Autopsies have been scheduled for both students, according to the Lafayette County Coroner. Autopsy findings can identify physical causes of death but often require toxicology testing to determine whether substances were present and at what levels.
Toxicology testing can take weeks to complete. In a separate Mississippi case this month, officials noted that final toxicology results “may take two to four weeks to complete.” The same timeframe may apply to the Ole Miss investigations, though no specific timeline has been announced.
Investigators may also examine prescription medications, medical history, witness statements, scene evidence, and laboratory analysis. The presence of packaged kratom at both locations is one piece of evidence, but it does not answer the central question of what caused each student’s death. Preliminary scene evidence alone is generally insufficient to establish a cause of death, which is why toxicology and autopsy findings are critical.
What Authorities Have Said About the Ole Miss Deaths
The University of Mississippi released a statement Tuesday expressing condolences and urging caution about unverified information. “We are aware that considerable unverified information is circulating on social media and in the community regarding these recent student deaths,” the statement said. “We encourage our community not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed.”
The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit issued a public advisory: “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 narcotics unit also stated that “local, state, and federal partners are working collaboratively to gather the facts and provide answers as quickly and responsibly as possible” and asked that the families’ privacy be respected.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch addressed the broader context of overdose prevention efforts, stating: “One Pill Can Kill is not just a slogan. It’s a fact. 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. Our prayers are with the families and friends already impacted.”
Free Narcan is available through vending machines on the Ole Miss campus and at the downtown parking garage in Oxford.
Are the Two Ole Miss Deaths Connected?
Authorities have stated that they are conducting two separate investigations into the deaths. The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit said there is “no confirmed evidence indicating the two deaths are connected.”
The only publicly reported similarity between the two cases is the presence of packaged kratom at both locations. That shared detail does not establish a connection, and authorities have not announced any other common factor.
There is currently no confirmed evidence establishing that the two deaths were caused by the same substance or circumstance. The investigations are proceeding independently, and no link has been officially confirmed.
What Is Known About the Students?
Authorities have not publicly identified either student. The Lafayette County Coroner’s Office confirmed the ages as 18 and 20 but did not release names or other identifying information.
The University of Mississippi has not released information about the students’ academic programs, hometowns, or campus involvement. The university’s statement focused on expressing condolences and urging the community to avoid speculation.
The university encouraged students and staff in need of support to reach out to the University Counseling Center or UMatter: Student Support & Advocacy.
What Happens Next in the Investigation?
The next steps in the investigative process include completion of autopsies, toxicology testing, and analysis of evidence collected at both locations. The Lafayette County Coroner’s Office will ultimately determine the cause and manner of death for each student, though that determination may take weeks or longer depending on the complexity of the cases and laboratory backlogs.
University Police remain in contact with local and state law enforcement, and the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit is conducting its own investigation. Additional interviews, laboratory analysis, and review of scene evidence are likely components of the ongoing work.
No timeline has been announced for when final determinations will be made. In similar cases, toxicology results have taken two to four weeks or more to be completed.
What Readers Should Know About Kratom Safety
Kratom products sold in the U.S. can vary widely in composition and strength. Products marketed as kratom may contain concentrated levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a compound that can have opioid-like effects and may pose greater risks than traditional kratom products. Some kratom products have been found to contain potentially dangerous amounts of 7-OH, and these products are not tested for safety or effectiveness.
Combining kratom with other substances—including prescription medications, alcohol, or other drugs—can increase the risk of serious adverse effects. A 2026 CDC study found that kratom exposures involving multiple substances were more likely to result in serious outcomes.
People who experience concerning symptoms after consuming kratom or any substance—including difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, or severe agitation—should seek emergency medical attention. Poison Control Centers are available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential medical advice.
This information is provided for general public health awareness. It does not establish any connection between kratom and the Ole Miss student deaths under investigation.
What We Know vs. What Has Not Been Confirmed
Confirmed
- Two Ole Miss student deaths occurred on Monday, September 21, 2026.
- Investigations are underway by University Police and the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit.
- Packaged kratom sold from a retail store was found at both locations during the investigations.
- Authorities have not confirmed that kratom caused or contributed to either death.
- The two deaths are being investigated separately with no confirmed connection.
- Autopsies are being scheduled and performed for both students.
- The students were 18 and 20 years old.
Not Confirmed
- Kratom caused either death.
- The two deaths were caused by the same substance or circumstance.
- The students intentionally consumed kratom.
- Toxicology results — none have been released.
- Any specific overdose theory — authorities have not stated that either death was an overdose.
- Any connection between the deaths — authorities say there is no confirmed evidence of a link.
- The identity of either student — names have not been publicly released.
- Whether kratom or any substance was a factor — this remains under investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the two Ole Miss students?
Two University of Mississippi students, aged 18 and 20, were found dead on Monday, September 21, 2026. One was found on campus at Stewart Hall, and the other was found off campus. The causes of death are under investigation.
Was kratom found at the Ole Miss death scenes?
Yes. The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit stated that packaged kratom sold from a retail store was found during both investigations.
Did kratom cause the Ole Miss student deaths?
No causal connection has been confirmed. The narcotics unit explicitly stated they “have not confirmed that Kratom was the cause or involved in the deaths.” The investigations are ongoing, and toxicology results have not been released.
What is kratom?
Kratom is a plant-based substance derived from a Southeast Asian tree. It is sold in the U.S. as powders, capsules, teas, and extracts. It is not FDA-approved for any medical use.
What are the health risks of kratom?
Documented risks include nausea, vomiting, agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, seizures, respiratory problems, and dependence. Serious outcomes are more likely when kratom is combined with other substances.
Can kratom be fatal?
Kratom has been associated with fatal outcomes in some reported cases, though most fatal cases in medical literature have involved multiple substances. In these specific Ole Miss cases, the cause of death has not been determined.
Are the two Ole Miss student deaths connected?
Authorities are conducting two separate investigations. They have stated there is “no confirmed evidence indicating the two deaths are connected.”
Have toxicology results been released?
No. Toxicology results have not been released. Autopsies were being scheduled as of Tuesday, September 22.
What are investigators looking for?
Investigators will examine autopsy findings, toxicology results, scene evidence, prescription medications, medical history, and laboratory analysis to determine the cause and manner of each death.
What has the University of Mississippi said?
The university expressed condolences and urged the community “not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed.” University Police remain in contact with local and state law enforcement.