2 Mississippi students dead, kratom found during both investigations

MEMPHIS, Tenn. ( WREG ) – Kratom, an herbal substance whose components are opioid-related, was found in the investigation into two student deaths at the University of Mississippi, the local narcotics team said on Tuesday.

The students were found dead on Monday, the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics team, in Oxford, Mississippi, said. While officers were investigating the deaths, they found “packaged kratom” bought from a retail store, the team said in a press release .

At this time, authorities have not yet confirmed if the deaths are connected to each other, or if kratom or any other substance played a role. The deaths are being investigated as separate incidents.

“Local, state, and federal partners are working collaboratively to gather the facts and provide answers as quickly and responsibly as possible. We are also working closely with the families involved and ask that their privacy be respected during an incredibly difficult time,” the narcotics team said.

In a social media post on Tuesday, university officials said they were heartbroken by the loss and asked the public not to speculate on the causes of death.

“We are aware that considerable unverified information is circulating on social media and in the community regarding these recent student deaths. The Coroner’s Office has confirmed two student deaths, and University Police are not aware of any additional student deaths. University Police remain in contact with local and state law enforcement, and the causes of the two deaths are still under investigation,” the university said.

As a precautionary measure, the narcotics team is urging people to avoid kratom and any other medication or substance that was not prescribed or obtained from a trusted source.

Kratom is a largely unregulated substance that has opioid-like effects . Some use it to improve their mood, while others use it to curb symptoms of opioid withdrawal. While it exists in a legal gray area for now, the push to classify it as an illicit substance is growing. Multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont and Wisconsin, have banned mitragynine and 7-OH, the active alkaloids in kratom, Congressional data shows.

Lafayette County Metro Narcotics mentioned that free Narcan is available through vending machines on campus and in locations downtown. A study showed Narcan can treat the symptoms of a kratom overdose.

Nexstar’s Addy Bink contributed to this report.