Kratom Found With Two Dead Mississippi Students in Oxford

Two University of Mississippi students were found dead Monday in Oxford, one on campus, one in the city, and by Tuesday authorities had disclosed a shared detail that is driving a campus-wide warning: packaged kratom purchased from a retail store was found during both death investigations.

Lafayette County Metro Narcotics made clear it has not confirmed that kratom or any other substance caused either death.

The two deaths are being treated as separate, unconnected cases. Identities have not been released. Cause of death is pending investigation. "We do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death," the agency said.

Despite that caution, officials are not waiting for confirmation before issuing a public health warning. "Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage everyone to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source." Free Narcan is available through vending machines on campus and at Oxford's downtown parking garage.

The timing adds context. A kratom component was found in the systems of Memphis Grizzlies player Brandon Clarke and Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith after their overdose deaths earlier this year.

Tennessee made kratom illegal this summer. The DEA federally scheduled concentrated kratom derivatives in August. Kratom poisoning calls have spiked more than 1,200 percent in the US between 2015 and 2025.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, SAMHSA's National Helpline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-662-4357.