Several Walker County Students Hospitalized After Eating Gummy Containing Suspected Kratom

WALKER COUNTY, Ga.— Several students at Saddle Ridge Elementary and Middle School in Rock Spring were hospitalized Wednesday after ingesting what authorities described as a “gummy-type substance.”

Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson confirmed that multiple students became ill after eating the gummies while at school. Faculty members quickly reported the incident, and the students’ parents or guardians transported them to nearby hospitals for evaluation.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, all of the students were in stable condition as of Wednesday evening. Investigators from the Walker County Sheriff’s Office and its Drug Task Force are leading the ongoing investigation to determine the source and composition of the substance.

Early testing suggests the gummies may have contained Kratom, a plant-derived compound sometimes marketed as a herbal supplement. Kratom, which originates from Southeast Asia, can act as a stimulant in low doses and as a sedative in higher amounts. It is not approved for medical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has been linked to adverse health effects in young people.

The Walker County School District acknowledged the incident in a statement, saying staff responded quickly to ensure student safety and contacted emergency services. School officials said they are cooperating fully with law enforcement and reviewing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents.

Sheriff Wilson emphasized that the case remains under active investigation. Authorities are working to identify how the gummies entered the school and whether other students may have been exposed.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.