OXFORD, Miss. — The two University of Mississippi students whose deaths were reported under suspicious circumstances in recent days have been identified.
Robert Strang, 20, of Atlanta, was identified as the older student by his family’s attorney, who spoke with News Outlet on Thursday. The other student was identified by a university spokesperson as Aidan Hamilton, an 18-year-old freshman from Colorado.
“Our family is devastated by the loss of our beloved son and is struggling to comprehend this unimaginable heartbreak,” Strang’s family said through their attorney Thursday. “We are profoundly thankful for the love, prayers and support we have received from so many cherished friends and relatives. Their compassion has meant more to us than words can convey.”
Robert Strang is shown in an undated photo provided by his family. The 20-year-old University of Mississippi junior died under suspicious circumstances. (Strang family)
Through their attorney, the Strang family asked the public to respect their privacy and extend compassion as they mourn.
Posts from the Ole Miss chapter of Phi Delta Theta identify Strang as one of seven co-chairmen overseeing the fraternity’s 2026 rush, the period when prospective members are recruited.
Efforts to contact Hamilton’s family on Thursday were unsuccessful.
Authorities said Thursday that investigators have not eliminated the possibility of foul play.
The Lafayette County Coroner’s Office said Strang was found at a home off campus. Hamilton, 18, is believed to have been discovered at Stewart Hall, a men’s residence hall on the University of Mississippi campus.
Stewart Hall is the University of Mississippi residence hall where an 18-year-old student is believed to have died Monday. Dispatch records indicate first responders reached the location within a minute of receiving the call. (Adam Sabes/News Outlet)
The Lafayette County Coroner’s Office previously told Fox News that an 18-year-old was found in a dorm room, while the 20-year-old was found at an off-campus residence. The county’s narcotics task force is investigating both deaths, though officials have not said whether the cases are related.
Investigators found packages of kratom, a legally marketed substance sometimes referred to as “gas station heroin,” at both locations. Its potential connection to either death remains unknown. Leaders of campus Greek organizations had earlier warned students about cychlorphine, a synthetic opioid.
Students were told that Narcan can be used to treat cychlorphine exposure, although several doses may be necessary. The substance may also evade commonly used test strips designed to detect fentanyl contamination.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves speaks and gestures during the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Miss., on Thursday, June 25, 2026. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
University officials and authorities are urging students to stay away from drugs of all kinds.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Wednesday that state investigators were helping local officials and would work to speed up toxicology testing for both students. Results from those examinations generally take several weeks.
As of Thursday morning, officials had not announced an official cause or manner of death for either student.
This is a developing story. Follow News Outlet for the latest updates.
