Absolutely heartbreaking – and terrifying.
Ole Miss and the police in Oxford, Mississippi are issuing a warning to the community after at least two students passed away in recent days.
Fear and rumors have been swirling since the deaths, with Action News 5 in Memphis reporting that a call came in just after 1:30 on Monday, September 21 for a report of a possible overdose near Stewart Hall, an on-campus residence hall. And today, Ole Miss issued a statement confirming two student deaths:
“The University is heartbroken by the recent loss of two students and extends our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.
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.
We encourage our community not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed. We appreciate your understanding and support for our campus community during this difficult time.”
Several fraternities and sororities have also issued warnings to their members about potentially-laced drugs making their rounds on campus. But according to a press release from the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics unit, there’s not yet any evidence that the two deaths are connected:
“We are aware of the significant amount of concern, speculation, and misinformation circulating regarding the deaths of two college-aged individuals yesterday.
First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, classmates, and loved ones affected by these tragic losses.
Law enforcement is currently conducting two separate death investigations. At this time, we have no confirmed evidence indicating that the two deaths are connected.”
Police do say, though, that they found packaged Kratom during their investigations into both deaths, and is urging the community to avoid the legal substance, as well as anything that isn’t prescribed or from a “trusted, regulated source.”
“However, packaged Kratom sold from a retail store was found during both investigations. 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.
We do not have confirmed information indicating that Kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death. We ask the public to avoid speculation regarding the circumstances or cause of either death while these investigations remain ongoing.”
Amid ongoing speculation that a “bad batch” of drugs is making its way through campus, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch is issuing a warning to students and to the community:
“One Pill Can Kill is not just a slogan. It’s a fact. It is why we have worked so hard with universities to raise awareness about fake pills, to spread Narcan as far and wide as possible, and to train students on what to do if someone is overdosing. We have reached out to our partners, including the Magee Center and HarborPath, to surge the resources and information needed to stop these tragic deaths. Our prayers are with the families and friends already impacted.”
The deaths come on the heels of authorities in several states warning of the emergence of cychlorphine, a powerful new opioid that’s estimated to be significantly more powerful than fentanyl. The synthetic drug has surfaced in California and has already been linked to the death of a San Francisco teenager, but as of right now it’s so new that it’s still unregulated.
While we don’t know yet if that’s the culprit behind the deaths at Ole Miss, despite plenty of rumors flying online, the situation should be a stark warning to students to avoid anything that’s not prescribed or regulated – even if it’s available over the counter in sketchy gas stations.
Just a heartbreaking situation for all of the families involved.
