Tragedy struck the University of Georgia campus on February 22, 2024, when 22-year-old nursing student Laken Hope Riley was found dead.
Riley’s body was discovered after her friend alerted the University of Georgia’s police department about her disappearance.
Who was University of Georgia victim, Laken Hope Riley?
Laken Hope Riley was a nursing student who had previously attended the University of Georgia before pursuing a nursing program at another university.
On the afternoon of February 22, 2024, Riley’s friend contacted the University of Georgia police when she did not return from her jog.
Her body was discovered behind Lake Herrick near the college campus, and authorities suspect foul play, though the exact cause of death is still under investigation.
University of Georgia Police Chief Jeffrey L. Clark stated, “I want to stress that this is an active investigation, which limits the information that I can share at this time.”
As of now, no person of interest has been identified. Clark reassured the public by saying, “When you have a suspect that’s on the loose, there’s always a danger. But there’s no immediate danger at this time.”
What school did Laken attend?
Laken Hope Riley was a student at Augusta University’s College of Nursing on the Athens campus.
Riley’s school was just 2.5 miles away from the University of Georgia’s intramural fields where she was last seen jogging.
According to the school’s website, the College of Nursing has graduated over 20,000 nurses since its establishment in 1943.
How did UGA respond to Laken’s death?
After learning of Laken’s passing, the University of Georgia decided to cancel all classes on the Athens campus past 5:30 pm ET on February 22 and for the following day.
The campus issued a statement offering their condolences and addressing the situation.
They stated, “Our student body is grieving the sudden death of one our students in Brumby Hall last night.”
In addition to UGA’s class cancellations, Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel released a statement expressing his sadness over the event.
Keel remarked, “It is with deepest sorrow that I share with you the news that one of our students at our College of Nursing campus at Athens has passed away.”
He further added, “Police have said they suspect foul play. The receipt of this news this afternoon was shocking to all of us.”
