New details reveal ages and locations in deaths of 2 Ole Miss students
Coroner says the 18-year-old died in a campus residence hall and the 20-year-old died at an off-campus house
OXFORD, Miss. (WAFB) - New details have been released about two University of Mississippi students who died Monday in separate incidents in Oxford.
Lafayette County Coroner Glenn Coleman said one student was 18 years old and died in a residence hall on the Ole Miss campus. The second student was 20 years old and died at a house off campus.
Coleman has not released their names.
The causes of death have not been determined, and investigators have said there is no confirmed evidence linking the two deaths.
First responders were called to Stewart Hall on the Ole Miss campus shortly after 1:30 p.m. Monday for a reported possible overdose. A dispatch recording indicated the person was not breathing and CPR was being attempted.
Authorities have not released details about the circumstances surrounding the other student’s death.
Kratom found during both investigations
The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit said packaged kratom purchased from a retail store was found during both death investigations.
Investigators stressed that they have not determined that kratom or any other substance contributed to either death and have asked the public not to speculate while testing continues.
Kratom can produce opioid-like effects and is banned in both Oxford and Lafayette County.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Wednesday that the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics are assisting local law enforcement and working to expedite toxicology reports.
“Mississippi is praying for the families and friends of the two Ole Miss students during this incredibly difficult time,” Reeves said.
Reeves also warned about the dangers of illegal drugs, though authorities have not determined that illegal drugs caused either student’s death.
Campus mourns students
Black ribbons have been placed outside fraternity houses on the Ole Miss campus as students mourn the deaths.
The university said it is aware of unverified information circulating about the cases and urged students and the public not to spread speculation.
“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,” university officials said.
Ole Miss is encouraging students who need grief counseling or other support to contact the University Counseling Center or UMatter: Student Support & Advocacy.
The investigations remain ongoing.
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