ATLANTA — The family of a metro Atlanta college student found dead at the University of Mississippi is speaking out for the first time as investigators work to determine what led to his death.
Robert Strang, a 20-year-old junior at Ole Miss and graduate of North Atlanta High School, was found dead Monday. Another student, 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton, was also found dead the same day at a separate location.
Authorities have not said whether the two deaths are connected, and both investigations remain ongoing.
Parents outside North Atlanta High School told Channel 2’s Tom Regan they were saddened to learn of Strang’s death.
“It’s heartbreaking that someone has lost their son,” one parent said.
Students at Ole Miss are also struggling to process the loss.
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“We didn’t think to come back to such sad news of losing two classmates,” said student Raven Tunstall. “College is supposed to be where we grow and gain new experiences. It’s not supposed to be where our lives end.”
Investigators are now focusing on whether kratom, a controversial herbal supplement, may have played a role in either death.
Authorities said a package of retail kratom purchased from a convenience store was found at both scenes.
Kratom is a plant-based substance that is sold in some convenience stores, smoke shops and gas stations.
Critics have raised concerns about its potential health risks, particularly with concentrated or synthetic products.
The substance has been banned by some state and local governments, including the city of Oxford, Mississippi, where Ole Miss is located.
“It makes me concerned because I know kids can get kratom at gas stations, and I don’t think they are aware of the dangers,” one parent said.
As questions remain about how Strang died, his family released a statement expressing their grief.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our son Robert and are trying to process this unimaginable loss,” the family said. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support by so many beloved friends and family. Their kindness has meant more to our family than we can ever express.”
Investigators say toxicology tests will be critical in determining whether kratom was a contributing factor in either student’s death.
Those results are expected to take several weeks.
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