The University of Mississippi confirmed the names of the two students who died earlier this week in an email sent to the student body on Thursday, Sept. 24. The email confirmed the students as freshman Aidan Hamilton and junior Robert Strang. Hamilton was from Englewood, Colo., and Strang was from Atlanta.
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead wrote in the email statement that the names of the students were released with the families’ permission on Thursday morning, and that the families ask for privacy at this time. Mead cautioned the community to avoid spreading unconfirmed information and stated that the causes of death are still under investigation.
The announcement was made amid concerns from students and parents that the university was not appropriately handling the situation.
Hamilton and Strang both died on Monday, Sept. 28. While there is no confirmation that the two deaths are related, packaged kratom was found at both sites. Coroner Glenn Coleman told the Clarion Ledger that toxicology reports and autopsies were ordered for both students, and that results are expected in two to three weeks.
The University Counseling Center and UMatter are available for free to students needing support.
