Woman found dead on UGA campus identified as Augusta University nursing student, officials say
ATHENS, Ga. – Athens-Clarke County Police and University of Georgia campus police are investigating a woman’s death on campus after a female student did not return from a morning run.
UGA Police said they received a call just after Noon from a person who was concerned for their friend, who had not returned from a run at the Intramural Fields. About 20 minutes later, police found the person in a forested area behind Lake Herrick with “visible injuries.”
The school said in a letter to students that “foul play is suspected,” adding that the “safety and welfare of our campus community is our top concern.”
Officers tried to give emergency aid, but the person was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief Jeff Clark with the University of Georgia Police Department and the corner’s office confirmed the victim is 22-year-old Laken Hope Riley, an Augusta University Athens Campus nursing student.
The University of Georgia stated all classes have been canceled until Monday.
UGA is asking the community to stay away from the area while campus police, the GBI and the Athens-Clarke County Police investigate.
Investigators believe that there is no immediate danger to others on campus. Police say there have been no arrests and no suspects, and the cause and manner of death is yet to be determined.
Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call the UGA Police Department at (706) 542-2200.
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