Officials urge caution after kratom found in investigation of two Ole Miss deaths

Why it matters

Kratom packages were found during two student-death investigations, but officials said there was no confirmed evidence that kratom contributed. That distinction matters while toxicology reports are pending.

The big picture

The report describes broader scrutiny of kratom and concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products. In this case, authorities said the causes of the deaths had not been established and cited no evidence connecting kratom to either death.

Key findings

• Authorities found packages of kratom while investigating the deaths of two University of Mississippi students.
• Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said there was no confirmed information that kratom contributed to either death.
• Toxicology reports were not yet available; state agencies were working to expedite them.
• The students were found Monday at separate locations, one on campus and one off campus.
• Authorities did not name the retailer or say whether criminal charges would be filed.

What they say

“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,” the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics task force said in a news release.

Bottom line

Kratom packages were found, but authorities had no confirmed evidence linking them to the two student deaths.