Ole Miss Victims Identified As Authorities Probe Chilling String Of Deaths

Two University of Mississippi students found dead this week have been identified as authorities continue investigating the separate deaths and await toxicology results.

The students were identified as Robert Strang, 20, a junior from Atlanta, and Aidan Hamilton, 18, a freshman from Colorado.

Strang was found at an off-campus residence, while Hamilton was discovered unresponsive at Stewart Hall, a men’s dorm on the Ole Miss campus, according to local reporting.

Hamilton later died despite attempts to perform CPR.

Strang’s family said they were devastated by the loss.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear son and are trying to process this unimaginable loss,” Strang’s family spokesman Scott Sayres told Fox News Digital Thursday. “We are deeply grateful for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers and support by so many beloved friends and family. Their kindness has meant more to our family than we can ever express.”

Both families have asked for privacy as they mourn.

Strang was involved with the Ole Miss chapter of Phi Delta Theta and had been identified on the fraternity’s social media as one of the co-chairmen for its 2026 rush effort.

“Freshmen are here for a month and they’re dying, and it’s so sad and disheartening. No one knows what to do.”

Fear is gripping Ole Miss after two students, ages 18 and 20, were found dead in separate locations, one in a dorm room and another at an off-campus home.

Packaged… pic.twitter.com/gV8KgNmVRQ

— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 24, 2026

The deaths have rattled the Oxford campus as investigators work to determine exactly what happened.

Lafayette County Metro Narcotics is investigating both cases, but authorities have emphasized that the deaths are being treated as separate investigations and have not established that they are connected.

Packaged kratom purchased from a retail store was recovered during both investigations.

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Authorities, however, have not determined whether kratom or any other substance contributed to either student’s death.

“We do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death,” Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said.

Investigators have also urged the public not to jump to conclusions while toxicology testing and other evidence are reviewed.

“Local, state and federal partners are working collaboratively to gather the facts and provide answers as quickly and responsibly as possible. We are also working closely with the families involved and ask that their privacy be respected during an incredibly difficult time,” Lafayette County Metro Narcotics said.

Campus concerns have also grown over reports involving a potent synthetic opioid called cychlorphine.

Greek life organizations have circulated warnings about the drug, which students were told may require multiple doses of Narcan and may not be detected by some common fentanyl test strips.

Officials have not linked cychlorphine to either student’s death.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said state investigators are assisting local authorities and that officials would work to speed up toxicology testing, which can otherwise take weeks.

The University of Mississippi has also pushed back against rumors spreading online that additional students were missing or had died.

“The University is heartbroken by the recent loss of two students and extends our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” university officials said.

No official cause or manner of death has been announced for either Strang or Hamilton.

Investigators are continuing to examine the evidence from both scenes as the Ole Miss community waits for answers.

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