📅 Date: September 22, 2026
📰 Source: CNN
📍 Location: University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi
🏷️ Topic: Student deaths / Campus investigation / Kratom warning
Authorities are investigating the deaths of two students at the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss, after a busy weekend on campus that included a major football game against Louisiana State University (LSU). The university confirmed the deaths and urged students and the public not to rely on unverified information circulating on social media.
According to Lafayette County Metro Narcotics, the deaths are being investigated as two separate cases. Investigators said there is currently no confirmed evidence that the two deaths are connected. Packaged kratom purchased from a retail store was found during both investigations, prompting officials to issue a precautionary warning.
Authorities stressed, however, that they have not confirmed that kratom or any other substance contributed to either death. Officials are asking people to avoid kratom and any medication or substance that was not prescribed or obtained from a trusted, regulated source while the investigations continue.
Local reporting said the two students were 18 and 20 years old. One was found on campus, while the other was found off campus at a place where the student lived. Autopsies are being arranged as investigators work to determine the causes of death.
The university said its police department is working with local and state law enforcement. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Shawnboda Mead said the university is aware of “considerable unverified information” circulating online and confirmed that the coroner’s office has identified two student deaths, with no additional student deaths confirmed by university police.
The deaths followed a crowded weekend in Oxford after Ole Miss defeated LSU in football on Saturday. Police described the weekend crowds as well behaved despite the large celebrations surrounding the game.
Kratom is an herbal product derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa. CNN reported that poisoning calls involving kratom have increased substantially in the United States in recent years. Officials’ warning at Ole Miss, however, remains precautionary because the substance has not been established as a cause of these deaths.
#OleMiss #UniversityOfMississippi #OxfordMississippi #StudentDeaths #Kratom #CampusNews #BreakingNews #CNN
📸 Photo note: Images above are representative University of Mississippi/Ole Miss campus imagery. Photo rights and licensing should be verified before publication.
📅 Date: September 22, 2026
📰 Source: CNN
📍 Location: University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi
🏷️ Topic: Student deaths / Campus investigation / Kratom warning
