The University of Mississippi has identified the two students found dead earlier this week, a development that brought names to a tragic story that has left the campus community searching for answers.
The university confirmed Thursday that the students were Aidan Hamilton, an 18-year-old freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Robert Strang, a 20-year-old junior from Atlanta. Their families had first asked for privacy before allowing the school to release their names.
Police responded Monday afternoon to a call at Stewart Hall after a report of a possible medical emergency. Later that same day, a second student was found dead at a separate location in Oxford. Investigators have treated the deaths as separate cases and said there is no confirmed link between them.
One detail that has drawn attention is the discovery of packaged kratom near both scenes. Kratom is an herbal substance sometimes marketed for pain relief, but Lafayette County officials said there is no confirmed evidence that kratom or any other substance caused either death. Toxicology testing is still underway, and state agencies are working to speed up the results.
University officials have urged people not to jump to conclusions. They said unverified information has already started circulating on social media, and they want the public to wait for confirmed reporting instead of rumor.
Vice Chancellor Shawnboda Mead addressed the losses on behalf of the university. “We have been in touch with the families to offer our deepest sympathies and share university support and resources,” Mead said.
She added: “We offer heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and classmates of Aidan and Robert. While there are no words that can alleviate the tremendous sorrow they are experiencing, please keep them close in your thoughts and prayers.”
Counseling and other support resources have been made available to students as the campus deals with the aftermath. No criminal charges have been announced in either case, and investigators have not shared any additional details beyond the kratom packaging found near the scenes.
Both families have asked for continued privacy while they grieve. The university said it will release more information when it becomes available and again urged the community to rely on official updates as the investigations continue.
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