The Walker County Sheriff’s Office says lab testing has ruled out kratom and other illegal drugs in an October incident that sent three Saddle Ridge Middle School students to the hospital.

On October 29, 2025, Walker County dispatch notified deputies that three middle school students at Saddle Ridge had suddenly become ill. It was suspected the students had ingested a “gummy” substance that caused severe nausea and lethargic motor skills. All three students were transported to area hospitals for treatment and were later released.

Based on preliminary findings from an emergency room physician, authorities initially believed the students may have overdosed on kratom. During the on-campus investigation, deputies collected a gummy-type substance near the area where the students fell ill and submitted it as evidence.

Working with the American Kratom Association, the Sheriff’s Office sent the sample to the University of Florida’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute for testing and examination. This week, officials received the lab report, which showed the gummy substance did not test positive for kratom or for 64 other illicit drugs.

With no illegal substance identified, the Walker County Sheriff’s Office says the criminal investigation into the incident will be closed.