Oxford Mayor Warns of 'Dice Roll on Death' Amid Kratom Concerns After Student Deaths
Mayor Robyn Tannehill urges young people to understand the dangers of substances like kratom following the deaths of two Ole Miss students.
Oxford, Mississippi, Mayor Robyn Tannehill has issued a strong warning regarding the dangers of kratom and similar "gas station drugs," stating that consuming kratom is akin to "rolling the dice on death." Her remarks come in the wake of investigations into the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, where packaged kratom was reportedly recovered.
Tannehill expressed the challenge of educating young people about the risks associated with these substances. She noted that Oxford's city board enacted a law prohibiting the sale of kratom at gas stations seven years prior, and local authorities have been aware of its dangers since at least 2019. "We are always trying to find the bad actors in our community that are choosing to sell these things to kids," Tannehill stated.
The two students, identified as 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton and 20-year-old Robert Strang, were discovered deceased on September 21 in separate locations. While the official causes of death are still pending autopsy and toxicology reports, narcotics detectives are involved in both investigations. Authorities have indicated that if fentanyl is found in the toxicology reports, a specific Mississippi law could be used to prosecute the seller.
The incidents have reportedly instilled fear among some University of Mississippi students, with some expressing caution about food and drinks on campus. Tannehill sought to reassure the community, emphasizing that Oxford is generally a safe town. She acknowledged that the issues are not unique to Oxford and are common on college campuses nationwide, but the current spotlight is on the city due to the tragic deaths.
"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],'" Tannehill said.
Oxford police have also announced separate arrests in connection with a raid on a tobacco shop suspected of narcotics trafficking. Tannehill reiterated that the community awaits the final autopsy and toxicology results, expected as early as the following week, and that many details are currently speculative.