Two University of Mississippi Students Found Dead
OXFORD, Miss. — The University of Mississippi has identified two students who were discovered dead under suspicious circumstances in recent days, confirming the names with their families’ consent.
Robert Strang, a 20-year-old from Atlanta, is the older of the two. The other student is Aidan Hamilton, an 18-year-old freshman originally from Colorado.
Scott Sayres, a family spokesman for Strang, expressed the family’s heartbreak, stating, “We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear son and are trying to process this unimaginable loss. 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.”
A statement from Hamilton’s family described him as a “bright, wonderful young man who was taken too soon” and emphasized their grief, asking for respect for their privacy during this painful time.
Both families have requested privacy as they navigate their losses.
TWO OLE MISS STUDENTS FOUND DEAD AS KRATOM PACKAGES RECOVERED AT TWO SITES
Sean Tindell, the Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, stated that authorities have not yet found clear indications of foul play but have not ruled it out either. “Until the autopsy is reported, and investigators gather statements and evidence, we can’t reach a final conclusion,” he mentioned.
It’s still premature to determine whether kratom or any other substances were involved in the deaths, as toxicology reports are pending. Police noted that packages of kratom—legally available in many places but not in Lafayette County—were found at both locations.
Tindell also mentioned that both deaths occurred around the same time, which raises some suspicion. Still, he emphasized that a more precise timeline would become clear once autopsy results are available. “The timing of it is suspicious, but I don’t know if there’s a direct connection,” he said, adding that authorities might look for a common source if both had ingested the same substance.
Social media posts from the Ole Miss chapter of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity identified Strang as one of the co-chairmen for the upcoming recruitment period.
The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Shawnboda Mead, extended condolences to the families and friends of the two students. She encouraged the community to remember that at the heart of this tragedy are two grieving families. “We urge everyone not to rely on speculation or rumors as law enforcement continues to investigate,” she added.
The Phi Delta Theta chapter echoed these sentiments, expressing their sympathies and asking for prayers for both young men.
Strang was found at an off-campus location, while Hamilton was believed to have been discovered in Stewart Hall, a male dormitory on campus. The Lafayette County Coroner’s Office confirmed the details of both discoveries, and an investigation is ongoing to determine if there are any links between the incidents.
Authorities recovered kratom at both sites, although its contribution to the fatalities remains unclear. There have also been warnings circulated regarding a synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, which can be dangerous, and authorities have cautioned students against all drug use.
Governor Tate Reeves mentioned that state authorities are assisting in the local investigation and are aiming to expedite the toxicology reports, which generally take weeks to finalize.
As of now, no official causes of death have been released for either student.
