Authorities investigate two University of Mississippi student deaths after kratom found at both scenes
publishers 6articles 8first reported 23 Sep, 13:31 UTCdeveloping since 23 Sep · 5 editions
Authorities are investigating the deaths of two University of Mississippi students who were found Monday afternoon in separate locations, one on campus and the other off campus. Similarly packaged kratom was found during both investigations, according to law enforcement reports.
Lafayette County Metro Narcotics urged people to avoid kratom and other substances not prescribed or obtained from a trusted, regulated source. The agency emphasized Tuesday that there was no confirmed information that kratom contributed to either death, and authorities said they had no evidence the deaths were connected.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Wednesday that two state agencies were working to expedite toxicology reports. Officials did not identify the retailer that sold the kratom or indicate whether criminal charges were expected.
Kratom is an herbal extract that can act as a stimulant at low doses and a sedative at higher doses. It is legal under federal law, though some state and local governments have banned it. The Food and Drug Administration advises against its use, citing risks including liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder. The agency says kratom has rarely been associated with deaths, generally when used with other drugs, and its contribution in those cases has been unclear.
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Written from 8 articles, 1 with the publisher's own text; 7 independent newsrooms once syndicated copies count as one (6 if wire copies count as one too); this version written 30 h after the record first saw the story; the editor kept it as written.
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