OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) – Families, the university, and a fraternity released statements as students voice frustration after the death of two Ole Miss students.

The University of Mississippi has identified the two students who died Monday from a possible overdose as 18-year-old freshman Aidan Hamilton, of Englewood, Colorado, and 20-year-old junior Robert Strang, of Atlanta.

The university released a statement on the deaths. Vice Chancellor Shawnboda Mead said in the statement that inaccurate information is being shared by individuals who do not have the facts.

The statement also asked people to keep the families of Hamilton and Strang in their thoughts and prayers.

Family statement

WANF, a sister station in Atlanta, received a statement from the Strang family.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear son, Robert, and are trying to process this unimaginable loss. We are deeply grateful for the incredible 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,” Strang’s family said in a statement. “As we grieve and focus on our family, we ask for privacy, understanding and compassion in the days ahead.”

Fraternity response

Strang was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and served as a co-chairman for the fraternity’s 2026 rush. The Ole Miss Interfraternity Council and College Panhellenic Council were contacted for comment but have not responded.

The national organization of Phi Delta Theta released a statement saying it is deeply saddened by the passing of its brother.

“The loss of two young lives is a profound tragedy. Phi Delta Theta joins the University of Mississippi and the broader Ole Miss community in mourning Robert and Aidan Hamilton and extending our deepest sympathies to their families, friends, chapter brothers, classmates, and all those who knew and loved them,” the fraternity said in a statement. “These losses reinforce the importance of a collective commitment to health, safety, and well-being on college campuses today. We encourage the Phi Delta Theta community to keep the Strang family, the Mississippi Alpha Chapter, and everyone affected by these tragic losses in their thoughts.”

Student reaction

Law enforcement agencies contacted for comment or updates directed questions back to the university’s communication office.

Students on campus expressed disappointment in the lack of information from law enforcement and school officials in recent days. Students said they are scared about the situation.

Gabe Evans, an Ole Miss senior, said students want more details than what was shared initially.

“Rather than just, here’s information on Tuesday, students passed away, we want to know what happened, what should people be looking out for. More than just the splash of information that we got on Tuesday. People really want to know more,” Evans said. “We had two students die from something that we are not sure of right now. Which is, again, sparking a lot of frustration and emotion right now with what we’re dealing with.”

Evans said many students still don’t know what to look out for, which he said is causing fear among the student body.

What investigators have found

Packaged kratom sold from a nearby convenience store was located at both Stewart Hall, where Hamilton died, and at an off-campus house on Van Buren Avenue, where Strang was found dead.

Gov. Tate Reeves said Wednesday that multiple state agencies are expediting toxicology reports to speed up the investigation.

Lafayette County Coroner Glenn Coleman said the toxicology report could take several weeks.

The investigation is ongoing.