Ole Miss Students Died from Mixed Drug Use and Asphyxiation Linked to Synthetic Kratom, Court Reveals

The causes of death for two University of Mississippi students found with illegal synthetic kratom in their systems have been revealed in court. Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, died from a combination of substances, including cough syrup and inhalation asphyxiation, according to defense attorneys in Mississippi federal court.

A toxicology report indicated that both students had mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and 7-OH in their systems at the time of their deaths. These compounds are found in SMAX Pseudo-DHM pills, which were present at the scene of both students' deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration had previously issued an emergency order classifying MGM-15 and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl as Schedule I controlled substances, making their sale illegal.

Investigators believe the Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer store in Oxford sold Hamilton the deadly SMAX pills on multiple occasions prior to his death. Strang also made a purchase from the store, but reportedly acquired the dangerous product from a different smoke shop approximately 20 miles away.

Authorities have charged Yahya Mosleh, 51, and his son, Islam Mosleh, 18, both employees at Puffs, in connection with the sales. Court documents state an undercover agent purchased pills containing mitragynine pseudoindoxyl from Yahya Mosleh. During the transaction, Yahya Mosleh allegedly warned the informant to be careful with the pills, stating that people were dying from them.

Following this, agents executed a search warrant at the store and seized various controlled substances, including THC cartridges, gummies, pre-rolls, and over 500 units of kratom. Yahya Mosleh remains in custody, while Islam Mosleh is expected to be released on a $20,000 conditional bond.

The store's owner, Amer Alowdi, was previously indicted for alleged narcotics trafficking in 2022 but is believed to have fled the country before prosecution.

Federal prosecutors stated in court that the case stems from several tragic overdose incidents involving students in Oxford. Evidence presented supported the detention of the accused, with victims' deaths attributed to conditions consistent with overdoses.

Hamilton was found unresponsive in his dorm room on Sept. 21. Investigators found open and unopened packs of synthetic kratom at the scene. His roommate told investigators that Hamilton frequently smoked marijuana, which contributed to a severe cough. A Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit agent testified that Hamilton was already in rigor mortis when found, with foam around his mouth and blood in his teeth.

Approximately an hour after Hamilton was discovered, police responded to a call about Strang, who was found unresponsive in his off-campus apartment. His roommates reported he had been using nitrous oxide, commonly known as "whippets," and had also taken a Xanax. SMAX pills were found on his nightstand.