Court records describe a warning from an Oxford, Mississippi, vape store clerk about kratom products before two Ole Miss students were found dead on Sept. 21, 2026. Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were found separately, with similar synthetic kratom packaging reported near both men. Investigators have not determined what role kratom played in either death. The records also detail arrests, seized products and other substances found during the investigation.
The affidavit says Hamilton had made several purchases at Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store, including one the day before his death. Authorities did not establish in the court documents that the products found near him came from that store.
| 1) | The warning at an Oxford vape store |
| 2) | The deaths of two Ole Miss students |
| 3) | Products and substances found at the scenes |
| 4) | Arrests and the continuing investigation |
| 5) | What remains unknown about the deaths |
The warning at an Oxford vape store
According to the affidavit, a confidential informant visited Puffs Vape, Tobacco and Beer Store in Oxford and asked whether the business sold 7 O kratom-based pills. A clerk allegedly confirmed that it did, opened a drawer beneath the register and produced a package. The records identify the store employee as Yahya Mohamed Mosleh, 51.
“Be quiet” about the pills and be careful taking them because “people were dying from them,” the clerk allegedly told the informant.
The affidavit does not establish that the kratom products found near Hamilton came from the store. It does show that Hamilton made several purchases there during September, including a transaction one day before he was found dead.
The deaths of two Ole Miss students
Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang were found dead on Sept. 21. Hamilton was discovered first at a residence near the University of Mississippi campus. Officials stated that he could have died from pulmonary edema, a condition that can be consistent with a drug overdose, although the available records do not identify a definitive cause of death.
About one hour later, officers were sent to another house near campus and found Strang. First responders described him as cold to the touch. The two cases drew attention because similar packages labeled Smax, Pseudo-DHM were reportedly found near both men.
Products and substances found at the scenes
The court documents describe Smax, Pseudo-DHM tablets as a synthetic kratom-derived product sold at some gas stations and tobacco shops for a narcotic-like effect. A package was reported near Hamilton when paramedics arrived. A similar package was found on Strang’s nightstand.
Investigators also reported 20 to 30 nitrous oxide canisters, commonly called whippets, at Strang’s residence. His roommates said he used them daily and told officers he had been watching football and had taken a Xanax bar the day before he was found. Hamilton’s roommate said Hamilton often smoked marijuana but was not known to use hard drugs.
Arrests and the continuing investigation
Authorities seized more than 500 units of kratom from the Oxford vape store, along with THC cartridges, gummies, pre-rolled products and other suspected THC substances. Yahya Mohamed Mosleh and Islam Mohamed, 18, were arrested and face charges of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, according to the court records.
The records do not say that the products found near either student were purchased from the vape store. Investigators also reported that the synthetic kratom-derived product associated with Strang had been purchased at a gas station about 30 minutes from Oxford.
What remains unknown about the deaths
The precise role of kratom, synthetic kratom or any other substance in the deaths remains undetermined. The presence of similarly labeled products is part of the investigation, but it does not by itself establish where the products came from or whether they caused either death.
The court records provide details about purchases, witness statements and evidence collected at the residences and store. They do not resolve the medical causes of death or establish whether the two cases were connected. Those questions remain subject to investigative and medical findings.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two Ole Miss students were found dead on Sept. 21. |
| 2 | Similar Smax, Pseudo-DHM packaging was reported near both men. |
| 3 | A store clerk allegedly warned an informant that people were dying from the pills. |
| 4 | More than 500 kratom units and other suspected drug products were seized. |
| 5 | Officials have not determined what caused the deaths or what role kratom played. |
Summary
The affidavit adds new details to the investigation into the deaths of Aidan Hamilton and Robert Strang, including their reported possession of similar synthetic kratom products and activity at an Oxford vape store. It also documents a warning allegedly given by a store clerk and the seizure of hundreds of kratom units. However, the evidence described so far does not establish a definitive cause of death, a common source for the products or a direct connection between the two cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the two Ole Miss students?
Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were found dead separately near the University of Mississippi campus on Sept. 21, 2026.
What product was found near both students?
Authorities reported packages labeled Smax, Pseudo-DHM, described in the records as a synthetic kratom-derived product, near both men.
Has kratom been confirmed as the cause of death?
No. Officials have not determined what role kratom or any other substance played in either death.
What happened at the Oxford vape store?
Authorities seized more than 500 kratom units and other suspected drug products. Two people associated with the store were arrested on controlled-substance distribution charges.
