Authorities are urging people to avoid an herbal extract found during their investigations into the deaths of two students - one on and one off campus - at the University of Mississippi following a rowdy weekend centered on a major football rivalry.

While there is no confirmed evidence the deaths Monday are connected, packaged kratom - an herbal extract that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects - sold from a retail store was found in both probes, according to Lafayette County Metro Narcotics, a multiagency law enforcement unit.

Authorities have not confirmed kratom or any other substance contributed to the deaths, but officials asked people to avoid it and  any other medication or substance that was not prescribed to you or obtained from a trusted, regulated source. 

The students were found dead at their homes on and off the campus in Oxford, and autopsies are being scheduled, CNN affiliate WAPT reported, citing the Lafayette County coroner, to whom CNN has reached out. Authorities have not released their names, ages or genders.

 The University is heartbroken by the recent loss of two students and extends our condolences to their families, friends and, and loved ones during this difficult time,  Dr. Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for student affairs, said on X.

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The school is aware of  considerable unverified information  on social media and indicated the local coroner's office has confirmed only two student deaths, she said. School officials are in contact with local and state law enforcement amid the ongoing investigation.

The federal government recently cracked down on some potent kratom-related compounds, which in natural and semisynthetic forms have been associated with mild to severe cases of addiction and poisoning. Natural kratom is regulated in at least 22 states and banned in eight.

Kratom is not illegal in Mississippi, though Oxford and other cities have banned sales of related products, The Associated Press has reported. Across some states, it may be sold to people of all ages at ga

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