Ole Miss releases names of students found dead in Oxford after 911 call for possible overdose
By Angela Williams
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OXFORD, Mississippi (WAPT) — An Ole Miss freshman from Colorado and a junior from Atlanta were found dead this week, with packages of kratom found nearby.
“Until now, we have upheld the wishes not to release the names of the students,” Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead, EdD, said in a statement. “Today, the families of Aidan Hamilton, a freshman from Englewood, Colo., and Robert Strang, a junior from Atlanta, have given us permission to share their names. The families have asked for privacy as they grieve.”
On Tuesday, authorities said one student was found dead on campus and another in a house in Oxford. A 911 call that went out was for a possible overdose.
Narcotics officials said at the scene of each death, packaged kratom was found that was sold from a retail store. Investigators were looking into the cause of death and whether kratom played a role.
The drug has been banned in Lafayette County since 2021.
Mead acknowledged that inaccurate information is being shared by some people who don’t have all the facts.
“We can all help by not repeating information that has not been officially confirmed by avoiding public speculation about what happened or why, especially as the causes of the two deaths are still under investigation,” Mead said.
The university’s counseling center and UMatter: Student Support & Advocacy are available for those seeking assistance.
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