# Investigation into University of Mississippi student deaths > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260924-university-of-mississippi-student-deaths-investigation > Updated: 2026-10-02T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 57. Developments: 4. Authorities in Oxford, Mississippi, are investigating the deaths of University of Mississippi students Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20. Hamilton was found in a campus residence hall, while Strang was discovered at an off-campus residence. Both individuals possessed packages of ‘Smax, Pseudo-DHM’ tablets, described as a kratom-like substance. Law enforcement linked Hamilton to Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store in Oxford, where a raid resulted in the seizure of over 500 units of kratom, THC cartridges, and other suspected narcotics. Federal prosecutors have since charged a father and son, Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51, and Islam Yahya Mosleh, 18, with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Investigators used bank records to link the purchase of the substances found at the scenes to the store where Yahya Mohamed Mosleh worked as a clerk. A narcotics agent identified the Smax substance as containing pseudoindoxyl, specifically mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, which the DEA temporarily placed in Schedule I on August 26. Court documents further reveal the substances found were potent, semisynthetic derivatives including mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and 7-OH, two of which were recently classified as Schedule I controlled substances by the U.S. Department of Justice. While Strang was found with similar packaging reportedly purchased in Yalobusha County, Ibrahim Aydah, owner of Express Mart #7 in Water Valley, has denied that the specific 200-milligram Smax package found near the scene originated from his store. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves stated that state agencies are working to expedite toxicology reports to determine the exact cause of death. ## Claims - Two University of Mississippi students, Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang, were found dead on September 21. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Federal prosecutors charged Yahya Mohamed Mosleh and Islam Yahya Mosleh with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. (corroborated by 11 sources) - Investigators recovered packages of suspected kratom derivatives at the scenes of the deaths. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The deaths of both students appeared consistent with drug overdoses. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Investigators believe the term pseudoindoxyl on product packaging refers to mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves stated that two state agencies are working to expedite toxicology reports. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Express Mart #7 owner Ibrahim Aydah denies the Smax package found near the scene came from his store. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-02: University of Mississippi students' deaths lead to federal charges A father and son face federal charges for allegedly selling kratom derivatives linked to the overdose deaths of two University of Mississippi students in September. 21 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-mississippi-students-deaths-linked-to-kratom-sales ### 2026-09-29: Oxford vape store raided following deaths of two Ole Miss students Two Ole Miss students were found dead with kratom-like substances; a raid on an Oxford vape shop led to arrests after clerks reportedly warned undercover agents that ‘people were dying’ from the pills. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oxford-vape-store-raided-following-deaths-of-two-ole-miss-students ### 2026-09-24: University of Mississippi students found dead amid kratom investigation Two University of Mississippi students have died in separate incidents. Authorities found packaged kratom at both scenes and are investigating potential links to a local retail shop. 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-mississippi-investigates-deaths-of-two-students-1 ### 2026-09-22: University of Mississippi students found dead in separate incidents Police are investigating the deaths of two University of Mississippi students in Oxford. Packaged kratom was found at both scenes, prompting health warnings against unregulated substances. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/university-of-mississippi-investigates-deaths-of-two-students --- Cite as: Investigation into University of Mississippi student deaths. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260924-university-of-mississippi-student-deaths-investigation