Ole Miss identifies two students found dead this week: Who were Robert Strang and Aidan Hamilton?

The University of Mississippi, popularly called Ole Miss, has identified the two students who were found dead earlier this week as authorities continue investigating. Aidan Hamilton, an 18-year-old freshman from Colorado, and 20-year-old Robert Strang from Atlanta died, the university said in a statement on Thursday (September 24).

Ole Miss issues statement

"We offer heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and classmates of Aidan and Robert," Shawnboda Mead, the university's vice chancellor for student affairs, said in the statement. "While there are no words that can alleviate the tremendous sorrow they are experiencing, please keep them close in your thoughts and prayers during this time of immense grief," Mead added.


"We are grateful to our University Police and law enforcement partners, who are committed to upholding the safety and well-being of our community and are working swiftly to investigate these cases. We know there is heightened media attention and that you may be eager for answers. We also recognize that inaccurate information is being shared by individuals who do not have access to the facts. We can all help by not repeating information that has not been officially confirmed and by avoiding public speculation about what happened or why," Mead further said. The families of both Hamilton and Strang have asked for privacy and compassion as they mourn their deaths.

Strang's body was found at an off-campus home, according to the Lafayette County Coroner's Office. Hamilton's body was discovered at Stewart Hall, a male dormitory on the Ole Miss campus.

Opioid-like herb found

According to Lafayette County Metro Narcotics, packaged kratom -- an opioid-like herb that can produce both stimulant and sedative effects -- was found at both scenes. Officials have asked people to avoid kratom and "any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source."

"The Mississippi Department of Public Safety and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics are working alongside our local and federal law enforcement partners as these investigations continue," Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell told CNN. "Until those investigations and toxicology testing are complete, we cannot rule out foul play, and we encourage everyone to avoid speculation and allow the facts to guide this process." Autopsies were being scheduled, WAPT reported citing the Lafayette County coroner.

What is kratom?

Kratom, which is derived from the leaves of the tropical tree Mitragyna speciosa, is not illegal in Mississippi. However, Oxford and other cities have banned sale of related products, The Associated Press reported. In some states, it may be sold to people of all ages at gas stations and convenience stores.