Current:Home > StocksA woman was found dead on the University of Georgia campus after she failed to return from a run -Thrive Success Strategies
A woman was found dead on the University of Georgia campus after she failed to return from a run
View
Date:2025-04-18 12:53:14
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — A woman found dead on the University of Georgia campus was a student at a nearby nursing school, said authorities, who were checking security cameras and advising students to travel in groups and avoid the wooded area where her body was found.
Police do not have a suspect, University of Georgia Police Chief Jeff Clark said at a news conference late Thursday. University spokesperson Cole Sosebee confirmed on Friday that the victim’s name is Laken Hope Riley.
The woman was found Thursday afternoon after a friend told police she had not returned from a morning run, authorities said. She was unconscious and had “visible injuries” when officers found her, Clark said.
“When you have a suspect that’s on the loose, there’s always a danger but there’s no immediate danger at this time,” Clark said.
Riley was a student at the Augusta University College of Nursing’s Athens campus, the school said in a statement. Foul play in suspected, school officials said.
Officers searching the area found the woman’s body in a forested area behind Lake Herrick. That area is across a busy road from a large dorm and dining hall complex on what’s commonly called “East Campus.” Most of the students in those dorms are freshmen.
Clark said his department, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, were conducting the investigation. He noted that there has not been a homicide on campus in the last 20 years.
“We’re not going to leave any rock unturned in this investigation,” he said.
The University of Georgia canceled classes Friday. Augusta University canceled classes at its Athens campus but said it will remain open as a gathering place for students, faculty and staff.
The death “hits a little too close to home,” said Veronica Bennett, the mother of a University of Georgia student. She’s part of a group of moms pushing for security improvements on campus that go beyond the school’s safety app, WSB-TV reported.
“As a parent, I get tired of that being UGA’s go-to. Oh, we have the safety app. Well, the safety app is not much of a deterrent,” Bennett told the Atlanta TV station.
veryGood! (851)
Related
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis again loses no-hit bid on leadoff homer in 9th
- Shopping on impulse? Most of us make impulse buys. Here's how to stop.
- Hundreds gather on Seattle beach to remember American activist killed by Israeli military
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Police failed to see him as a threat. He now may be one of the youngest mass shooters in history.
- Man charged with drugging, raping women he met through ‘sugar daddy’ website
- Man charged with drugging, raping women he met through ‘sugar daddy’ website
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- Dutch adopt US war graves to harbor memories of the country’s liberation 80 years ago
Ranking
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris. Donald Trump says he prefers Brittany Mahomes. Why?
- Volkswagen is recalling close to 99K electric vehicles due to faulty door handles
- 2024 MTV VMAs: Flavor Flav Crowns Jordan Chiles With This Honor After Medal Controversy
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Olympian Jordan Chiles Returns to Spotlight at 2024 VMAs Red Carpet After Bronze Medal Debacle
- Phoenix Suns call ex-employee's $60M demand for discrimination, wrongful termination 'ridiculous'
- Judge disqualifies Cornel West from running for president in Georgia
Recommendation
Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
USPS’ long-awaited new mail truck makes its debut to rave reviews from carriers
MLB playoff picture: Wild card standings, 2024 division standings
2024 MTV VMAs: How Nicky Hilton’s Kids Fangirl Over Aunt Paris Hilton
Scoot flight from Singapore to Wuhan turns back after 'technical issue' detected
Aubrey Plaza, Stevie Nicks, more follow Taylor Swift in endorsements and urging people to vote
Kentucky authorities still hunting suspect in I-75 shooting that injured 5
Addison Rae Is Only Wearing Underwear at the 2024 MTV VMAs