Ole Miss is dealing with the aftermath of a grim weekend that left two male students dead and prompted separate death investigations from local authorities.
University officials confirmed the deaths after emergency personnel responded to Stewart Hall following a call about a possible overdose. According to the county coroner, one of the students was 18 years old and found on campus, while the other was 20 and found off campus.
Law enforcement has recovered packaged kratom from a retail store at both death scenes, but officials have not said the substance was responsible in either case. Lafayette County Metro Narcotics addressed the speculation directly, saying, “We do not have confirmation indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death.”
The agency added that the cases are being handled as “two separate death investigations.”
Vice Chancellor Shawnboda Mead also pushed back against the flood of rumors spreading online. In an email to the campus community, 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 awash in unverified claims about additional overdoses at Ole Miss, sparking panic and confusion around Oxford. 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 message it said was sent out from UGA, which read: “🚨🚨🚨🚨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.
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