Authorities Warn of Kratom Following Two Student Deaths at University of Mississippi
Authorities are warning the public about kratom after two University of Mississippi students in Oxford died. Packaged kratom was found in investigations into both deaths, though officials have not confirmed it as the cause and urge avoidance of unregulated substances.
Tucson, AZ, September 23, 2026 —
Authorities have issued warnings to the public regarding the use of kratom in connection with the deaths of two students from the University of Mississippi. The incidents occurred in Oxford.
In the course of investigations into the two separate fatalities, packaged kratom was discovered. However, officials have stated that kratom has not been confirmed as the direct cause of death in either case.
Local and state officials are urging the public to avoid unregulated substances. The circumstances surrounding the students’ deaths are still under investigation, and the full details of the autopsies and toxicology reports have not been released. The contractor’s name or the specific regulatory body issuing the warning were not provided in the available information.
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds that can have stimulant and opioid-like effects. Its legal status and regulation vary significantly by country and region, leading to concerns about product purity and safety for consumers. The University of Mississippi has not issued a public statement regarding these specific incidents, but the deaths have prompted a broader caution from health and law enforcement agencies about the potential risks associated with kratom.
The timeline of when the deaths occurred was not specified. Authorities emphasized that while kratom was present, definitive links to the fatalities are pending further investigation. The focus remains on public safety and advising against the use of substances that lack clear regulation and established safety profiles.
Story summarized from the original created by Cindy Von Quednow, CNN on www.kgun9.com, see more information here.
