OXFORD, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) Gov. Tate Reeves said Wednesday that state agencies are helping local law enforcement investigate the deaths of two University of Mississippi students. The state is also working to speed up toxicology reports in both cases.
Reeves shared the update in a statement on his Facebook page.
“Mississippi is praying for the families and friends of the two Ole Miss students during this incredibly difficult time,” Reeves wrote.
State Agencies Join Investigation
According to the governor, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics are working closely with local investigators. Reeves said the state will continue to support the investigation and provide resources when local law enforcement requests them.
The toxicology results could help investigators determine what caused the deaths. Authorities have not yet released a cause of death for either student.
Governor Addresses Drugs on Campus
In his statement, Reeves also spoke broadly about illegal drugs at colleges and universities across the country. He said drugs have caused tragic outcomes for many American families.
“Please talk to your children about this situation and the dangers associated with taking illegal drugs,” Reeves wrote. He added that Mississippi remains committed to putting drug dealers and traffickers behind bars.
Local officials, however, have not confirmed that any drug or other substance played a role in either death.
What Investigators Have Said
The Lafayette County coroner confirmed the two deaths earlier this week. Authorities have not released the names of the students.
On Tuesday, Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said investigators are handling two separate death investigations. The agency said it has no confirmed evidence connecting the cases.
Investigators did find packaged kratom sold by a retail store during both investigations. However, Metro Narcotics stressed that it has no confirmed information showing kratom or any other substance contributed to either death. The agency still urged residents to avoid kratom and any substance not prescribed to them or obtained from a trusted, regulated source.
Emergency crews responded to Stewart Hall on the Ole Miss campus shortly after 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, for a report of a possible overdose, according to a dispatch recording obtained by Darkhouse Press. Authorities have not confirmed that either student died from an overdose.
Support and Safety Resources
The university has encouraged students who need support to contact its Counseling Center or UMatter: Student Support and Advocacy.
Free Narcan remains available from vending machines on campus and at the downtown parking garage in Oxford. Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Queen City Newsfeed will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
