OXFORD, Miss. — The University of Mississippi confirmed Tuesday that two students have died, with law enforcement disclosing that packaged kratom purchased from a store was found during both death investigations, though officials say no evidence currently suggests the two deaths are connected.

University officials announced the deaths in a statement issued Tuesday. "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," the statement read. The cause of death in both cases remains under investigation, and campus police are coordinating with local and state law enforcement as the inquiries continue.

Dr. Shawnboda Mead, the university's vice chancellor for student affairs, addressed the scope of the confirmed deaths directly. "The Coroner's Office has confirmed two student deaths, and University Police are not aware of any additional student deaths," Mead said in a statement.

According to a statement from Lafayette County Metro Narcotics, law enforcement is conducting two separate death investigations, and no evidence has emerged indicating the two cases are related to one another. While authorities have not confirmed any........

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