Kratom found in both bodies Two students vanish from campus

Two students were found dead on the University of Mississippi campus in a separate investigation that law enforcement has confirmed. In both cases, packaged kratom was discovered by investigators, though authorities say the deaths are unrelated and no evidence links them.

The Lafayette County Metro Narcotics unit issued a public warning against using kratom, describing it as a prescription‑free pain reliever and energy booster that is also dubbed “gas station heroin.” They urged the community to stay away from any medication or substance that was not prescribed or sourced from a regulated provider.

Officials have not yet determined whether kratom or another substance contributed to the deaths and are asking the public not to speculate while investigations continue.

The University of Mississippi released a statement expressing sorrow for the loss of two students, noting that the Coroner’s Office confirmed two deaths and that University Police are unaware of any additional student fatalities.

The university urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information online and to rely on updates issued by official sources as the investigations proceed.

## Background & Context

Kratom is sold without a prescription for pain relief and energy, yet it remains an uncontrolled substance in many jurisdictions. The Metro Narcotics unit added that out of an abundance of caution, the community should avoid kratom and any unprescribed medication.

Local, state, and federal partners are collaborating to gather facts and provide answers swiftly and responsibly, . In response to the tragedy, campus vending machines will offer free Narcan, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses.

## Current Investigation and Community Response

Investigators have not yet confirmed whether kratom contributed to the deaths; they emphasize that the cause of each death remains under investigation. Law enforcement is urging the public to respect the families’ privacy and refrain from repeating unverified information, noting that uncertainty can breed fear.

Officials also encourage reliance on official releases as investigations continue, acknowledging that rumors have circulated online. The university’s statement emphasized that it is aware of “considerable unverified information” circulating online and urged the community to rely only on official releases.

Officials also noted that, , two student deaths had been confirmed and no additional student deaths were known to University Police at this time. LCMN specifically urged the public to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed or obtained from a regulated source.

Law enforcement reiterated that while packaged kratom was found in both cases, they have not established any causal link and are still investigating. Narcan, an opioid antagonist, is being distributed free of charge through campus vending machines to help counter potential overdoses.

At this time, the identities of the deceased remain undisclosed, and the university and law enforcement continue to seek definitive answers.