{
  "id": 9489293,
  "title": "Ole Miss deaths update: Coroner shares new details as Gov. Tate Reeves speaks out, ‘Illegal drugs are…’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/ole-miss-deaths-update-coroner-shares-new-details-as-gov-tate-reeves",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T04:40:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times - World News",
    "slug": "hindustan-times-world-news",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/ole-miss-deaths-update-coroner-shares-new-details-as-gov-tate-reeves-speaks-out-illegal-drugs-are-101790224524818.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Two male University of Mississippi students, aged 18 and 20, were found deceased on September 21, 2023. The 18-year-old was discovered on campus at Stewart Hall, while the 20-year-old was found at an off-campus house. Both students had purchased kratom, a substance that is illegal in Arkansas and Tennessee, from a local retailer. The Lafayette County coroner stated that a toxicology report would be conducted but could take several weeks to provide results. Governor Tate Reeves condemned the incident, warning that illegal drugs pose a serious threat on college campuses nationwide. He also mentioned that the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics were collaborating with local law enforcement to expedite the toxicology reports. Emergency responders were called to Stewart Hall around 1:30 pm on the day of the first death due to concerns of an overdose. Despite police investigations, there is currently no evidence linking the deaths. Authorities have cautioned students to avoid using kratom or any substances not prescribed to them by healthcare professionals.",
  "summary": "The Lafayette County coroner has shared fresh details about the two University of Mississippi students who were found dead on Monday, September 21.",
  "key_points": [
    "Two University of Mississippi students, 18 and 20, died on September 21, 2023.",
    "Kratom, illegal in Arkansas and Tennessee, was purchased by the deceased.",
    "Governor Tate Reeves warned illegal drugs threaten college campuses."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}