US names two Ole Miss students who died — The Hill

In Oxford, Mississippi, United States, the University of Mississippi has named two students who died on Monday. They are freshman Aidan Hamilton of Englewood, Colorado, and junior Robert Strang of Atlanta.

As The Hill reports, the university released the students’ names with their families’ consent. The families also asked for their privacy to be respected while they mourn. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead said the university expressed condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and offered support and resources.

Two separate investigations

The causes of both deaths are currently being determined. One of the students was found dead in a dormitory on the university campus, while the other was found within the city of Oxford.

The Lafayette County Drug Enforcement Administration said it is conducting two separate investigations. Law enforcement officials stressed that there is currently no confirmation of a connection between the deaths. At the same time, investigators found packaged kratom sold at a retail store in both investigations.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

As a precaution, law enforcement urged people not to use kratom and other substances or medications that were not prescribed by a doctor or obtained from a reliable regulated source. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said the state Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics are assisting local law enforcement and working to expedite toxicology tests.

What is known about kratom

Kratom is a plant substance from tropical trees in Southeast Asia. According to the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse, it may have effects similar to those of opioids and stimulants. It is sold, among other forms, as capsules and powder. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any medical use of kratom.

The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse warns that people have reported nausea, constipation, dizziness and drowsiness after using kratom. Medical professionals have also recorded tremors, seizures, elevated blood pressure and liver problems. Research into the short-term and long-term effects of kratom use is ongoing.