Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill warned against the dangers of kratom following the deaths of two University of Mississippi students who may have consumed substances laced with fentanyl. Tannehill emphasized that local authorities had prohibited kratom sales at gas stations seven years ago and stressed the need to educate young people about the risks associated with such drugs. The mayor also reassured the community that Oxford is safe but acknowledged the challenges faced by college towns across the nation regarding substance abuse, urging vigilance until toxicology reports confirm the exact causes of death expected next week.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-09-26,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Two University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) students were found dead on separate occasions, with packaged kratom recovered at both scenes. Officials from the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit are investigating but have not confirmed that the deaths are linked or that kratom was a contributing factor in either case. The university expressed its condolences and stated it is heartbroken by the loss of these students. Chancellor Dr. Shawnboda Mead urged against speculating about the circumstances online, warning of misinformation spreading on social media. Authorities advise avoiding kratom and other substances not prescribed by medical professionals due to potential risks.
Written for “Ole Miss Student Deaths Kratom Concerns” on 2026-10-05,
grounded in this article and the 17 other(s) covering the same event.
Oxford, Mississippi, Mayor Robyn Tannehill issued a stark warning Saturday about the dangers of kratom and other "gas station drugs" after packaged kratom was recovered during investigations into the deaths of two Ole Miss students.
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kratom → issue → students
"To take kratom is really rolling the dice on death..." Tannehill told "Fox & Friends Weekend."
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Tannehill → take → death
"So our challenge right now is to make our young people understand the dangers of these drugs."
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people → make → drugs
Tannehill said Oxford's city board passed a law prohibiting the sale of kratom at gas stations seven years ago, and that local authorities have been aware of the substance's dangers for some time.
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authorities → say → time
"This is a substance that our police chief identified as dangerous in 2019, and we immediately took action," she said.
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she → identify → action
We are always trying to find the bad actors in our community that are choosing to sell these things to kids."
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that → try → kids
The two students were found dead Monday, Sept. 21, in separate locations — one on campus and the other off campus.
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students → find → campus
Although their causes of death remain undetermined, narcotics detectives are involved in both investigations.
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detectives → remain → investigations
Authorities say, if the reports find fentanyl, a special Mississippi law can be used to target the seller.
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law → say → seller
The news has triggered fears among many Ole Miss students.
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news → trigger → students
One student, speaking on "The Faulkner Focus" Thursday, said some students are cautious of what they eat or drink as fears mount on campus.
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fears → speak → campus
Tannehill, however, attempted to assuage some of those fears.
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Tannehill → attempt → fears
"Oxford is an extremely safe town," she said.
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she → say → ?
"It's a place that, when you walk down the street, people still speak to you," she added.
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she → walk → you
"It's a place that takes care of each other...
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that → take → other
the issues that we're dealing with right now are the issues that every college campus across the nation is dealing with.
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campus → deal → nation
Unfortunately, the spotlight is on Oxford now because of these two tragic deaths and, if that spotlight can help us save other kids, then my prayer is that this makes somebody check up and say, 'You know what, I'm not going to do that [try any substances].'
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I → help → substances
Tannehill also reiterated that the Oxford community is awaiting autopsy and toxicology reports and until those tests are in, many details are speculation.
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details → reiterate → reports
Reports are expected to be completed as early as next week, according to the state's commissioner of public safety.
uncertain
Reports → expect → safety
Oxford police have separately announced arrests in connection with a raid on a tobacco shop accused of trafficking narcotics.
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police → announce → narcotics
Authorities have identified 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton and 20-year-old Robert Strang as the victims.
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Authorities → identify → victims
Fox News' Adam Sabes, Michael Ruiz and Madison Scarpino contributed to this report.
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Sabes → contribute → report
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