The University of Mississippi confirmed Thursday that two undergraduate students from Colorado and Georgia lost their lives this week, prompting renewed concerns about kratom.
Aidan Hamilton, an 18-year-old freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Robert Strang, a 20-year-old junior from Atlanta, were discovered dead in separate locations this week, according to Ole Miss.
Both students were found Monday,one on campus and the other in the city of Oxford,authorities reported. Packaged kratom was located during each death investigation, though officials have not established a definitive connection between the substance and the fatalities.
Kratom is an herb that produces opioid-like effects and is frequently sold at gas stations or through online retailers. It has grown in popularity across the United States as an unregulated remedy for pain, anxiety, and drug dependence. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, kratom can produce either stimulating or sedating effects depending on the dosage.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear son, Robert, and are trying to process this unimaginable loss,” the Strang family stated. “We are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers and support by so many beloved friends and family. Their kindness has meant more to our family than we can ever express.”
“As we grieve and focus on our family, we ask for privacy, understanding and compassion in the days ahead,” the statement continued.
The Hamilton family described Aidan Hamilton as “a bright, wonderful young man who was taken too soon.”
“He is greatly missed. We thank everyone for their prayers and support and ask that you respect our family’s privacy during this time of great loss,” the family said in a statement.
Shawnboda Mead, the university’s vice chancellor for student affairs, issued a warning to the campus community regarding the spread of misinformation.
“We know there is heightened media attention and that you may be eager for answers. We also recognize that inaccurate information is being shared by individuals who do not have access to the facts,” Mead stated.
“We can all help by not repeating information that has not been officially confirmed and by avoiding public speculation about what happened or why, especially as the causes of the two deaths are still under investigation.”
The Phi Delta Theta fraternity confirmed that Strang was a member.
“Out of respect for Robert, his family, and those closest to him, the Fraternity has refrained from public comment until his name was publicly released,” the organization announced in a statement Thursday.
“The loss of two young lives is a profound tragedy,” the fraternity stated. “Phi Delta Theta joins the University of Mississippi and the broader Ole Miss community in mourning Robert and Aidan Hamilton and extending our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, chapter brothers, classmates, and all those who knew and loved them.”
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