University of Missouri Interfraternity Council highlights drug awareness following Ole Miss deaths

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri Interfraternity Council is notifying students about the risks of drug use in a Facebook post in support of the University of Mississippi Interfraternity Council.

The post follows the death investigation of two University of Mississippi students who were found dead in their off-campus homes Monday. Authorities reported that the unregulated drug kratom was found nearby, with student groups circulating warnings about a new fentanyl-like synthetic opioid called cychlorphine.

"The Mizzou Interfraternity Council Stands with the Ole Miss Interfraternity Council, the University of Mississippi community, and everyone affected by the events that occurred in Oxford this weekend," according to the Facebook post. "We have a responsibility to look out for one another and to take seriously the risks that can come with unknown or counterfeit substances."

Authorities are yet to say that kratom and cychlorphine had a role in the deaths.

"The Mizzou IFC encourages every member of our community to educate themselves about overdose prevention, know where to access Narcan, and take action when a fellow student or brother may be in danger," the University of Missouri IFC said in its Facebook post.

According to the City of Columbia, Narcan, which stops opioid overdoses, can be found 24/7 in distribution boxes across the city, including at the Columbia Fire stations, the local health department and the Activity & Recreation Center.

This is an ongoing story.