The two University of Mississippi students who died after a suspected kratom overdose have been identified, just weeks after one of their moms made a heartbreaking post about her son going to college.
Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were named as the two young men who died on Tuesday at the Ole Miss campus in Oxford.
The two were identified by friends of them who spoke with The Daily Mississippian, Hamilton was a freshman from Colorado while Strang was a junior from Georgia.
According to the outlet, law enforcement responded to Stewart Hall where they attempted CPR on Hamilton.
Strang was then found dead at an off-campus house on Van Buren Avenue, sources told the outlet.
In a post to her Facebook page just last month, Aidan’s mother Kathie posted an image of him inside his dorm and outside of the school.
She described her and her husband Peter as being ’empty nesters’, writing: ‘We are officially empty nesters – this is going to take some getting used to!!!!’
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Shawnboda Mead announced their passing on Tuesday.
Officers attempted CPR on Aidan Hamilton, seen here, inside his dorm, The Daily Mississippian reported
Strang is seen here in a post made by the Ole Miss Phi Delt Alumni showcasing their Rush Chairs for 2026
Shortly after the news broke, Mead slammed rumors spreading on social media that more students may be unaccounted for.
‘We encourage our community not to speculate about the circumstances or repeat information that has not been officially confirmed,’ she said.
But, the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit shared a social media post stating that ‘packaged Kratom’ was located during both death investigations.
Kratom, an unregulated herbal extract, acts as a mild stimulant that people use for energy, pain relief, and managing withdrawal. It acts as an opioid in large doses.
The substance was sold from an unnamed retail store, police said. It is unclear if Kratom or other substances played a role in their deaths, the agency said.
Authorities have warned people to refrain from ingesting Kratom or other substances that have not been prescribed by a medical professional.
The Lyceum, oldest building on the campus of the University of Mississippi on April 12, 2008 in Oxford
Officials said that kratom, pictured here, was found during both investigations into the deaths
‘Local, state, and federal partners are working collaboratively to gather the facts and provide answers as quickly and responsibly as possible,’ the agency said.
‘We are also working closely with the families involved and ask that their privacy be respected during an incredibly difficult time.’
Police also reminded the community that Narcan, an over-the-counter medication that reverses an opioid overdose, is available in vending machines across campus.
The university echoed the police, stating that their thoughts are with the friends, family, and loved ones of the two students.
