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One Ole Miss student identified as death investigation continues
Authorities are investigating whether packaged kratom found at both scenes played a role as autopsy and toxicology results are pending.
On Monday, two Ole Miss students died in separate incidents, identified by The Daily Mississippian as 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton of Englewood, Colo., and 20-year-old Robert Strang of Atlanta.
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics reported Tuesday that store-bought kratom was found at each location where the students were discovered. Investigators are working to determine if the herbal substance contributed to the deaths.
Hamilton was found unresponsive on campus and died following CPR attempts, while Strang was located off-campus. Toxicology reports remain pending, and whether other substances were involved remains under investigation.
Kratom remains legal at the federal level, though federal authorities have issued warnings about its risks. The herbal extract acts as a stimulant at low doses and a sedative at high doses.
Tom Regan of Channel 2 Action News confirmed the identities of the students involved as the investigation continues in Oxford. Strang's family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support received.