University of Mississippi identifies 2 students found dead in cases that raise kratom concerns

The University of Mississippi said Thursday that undergraduate students from Colorado and Georgia died this week in cases that sparked renewed concerns about kratom. Aidan Hamilton, 18, a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Robert Strang, 20, a junior from Atlanta, were found dead in separate locations this week, Ole Miss said. Both students were discovered Monday, one on campus and the other in the city of Oxford, authorities have said. Packaged kratom was found during each of the death investigations, but no definitive link has been made between kratom and the deaths, officials said. Kratom is an herb with opioidlike effects sometimes sold at gas stations or online. It has gained popularity in the U.S. as an unapproved treatment for pain, anxiety and drug dependence. Kratom can be stimulating or sedating, depending on the dosage taken, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.