Ole Miss is dealing with a painful and fast-moving situation after the university confirmed the deaths of two male students following a busy campus weekend.
Emergency crews were first called to Stewart Hall after reports of a possible overdose. According to the county coroner, one student, age 18, was found on campus, while a 20-year-old was found off campus. Authorities have opened two separate investigations into the deaths.
At both scenes, law enforcement recovered packaged kratom from a retail store. Officials have not said the substance was a contributing factor in either death. Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said, “We do not have confirmation indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death.”
The agency also stressed that the cases are being handled separately. “two separate death investigations.”
Vice Chancellor Shawnboda Mead also addressed the campus community, warning against the wave of misinformation spreading online. In an email, she wrote, “We encourage our community not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information.”
Autopsy and toxicology results are still pending.
In the meantime, social media has been flooded with unverified claims about additional overdoses involving Ole Miss students. One post said, “🚨 Breaking: 5 kids have died from cychlorphine overdoses this weekend at Ole Miss in Laced Xanax bars.
Stay safe.” Another claimed, “🚨BREAKING- PARENTS, READ THIS!
🚨. Allegedly, Ole Miss is searching for more kids who didn’t show up to class today.
Reports are that there are student Overdose deaths at Clemson, LSU, Alabama, USouthCarolina and Ole Miss.”
That same post also included a supposed statement from UGA, reading: “🚨🚨🚨🚨As I am sure you guys are starting to hear, this weekend in Oxford there were 7 deaths from overdoses at least 5 of which were fraternity men. These deaths came from cyclorphine an opioid that is stronger then fentanyl that was disguised as a Xanax and potentially also cocaine.
I reached out to all of your chapter presidents but as we know to combat this we need leaders of all ages to be on the same page, strongly encourage your chapters against drug use. It is evident this new mixer has hit the SEC.
With a big weekend ahead, it is critical you all are proactive with your chapters regarding this issue, so getting in front of guys you know may partake in these risks is encouraged.”
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said the deaths remain under investigation by local, state, and federal authorities and are being treated as separate cases.
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