Athens is currently grieving following the discovery of the body of one of its residents on the University of Georgia’s campus on Thursday afternoon.
Laken Hope Riley, a 22-year-old senior nursing student at Augusta University College of Nursing at Athens, was found deceased at the intramural fields near Lake Herrick, where she had been jogging.
Her disappearance was reported by her roommate earlier that day.
Laken Hope Riley cause of death
The cause of Riley’s death is currently undetermined, and an examination of her body is scheduled for later today.
However, her death has been linked to homicide, and the suspect, Jose Antonio Ibarra, has been arrested and charged.
In light of this tragic loss of life, the university has advised students to travel in groups whenever possible and to remain vigilant of their surroundings.
Augusta University expressed deep sorrow over the death of Riley, a junior and Dean’s List student, in a statement released on Friday.
Riley had transferred to the Augusta University nursing college in the spring of 2023 after attending the University of Georgia.
She was also an active member of the UGA Alpha Chi Omega sorority, as reported by the Red & Black, the UGA student newspaper.
University spokesperson Greg Trevor stated that Riley was well-known and highly regarded by everyone who knew her.
Who was Laken Riley?
Riley, a Woodstock, Georgia native, graduated from River Ridge High School in 2020. Following this, she completed her undergraduate studies at UGA in 2023, and later pursued a nursing program at Augusta University.
Riley was actively involved in running, being a member of both the cross-country and track teams at her high school. Cherokee County School District Superintendent Brian Hightower commended her for excelling as a scholar-athlete.
Additionally, she was affiliated with the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and maintained a strong bond with her family, who frequently shared her accomplishments and milestones on social media platforms.
In August 2023, Riley’s mother, Allyson Phillips, took to Facebook to share photos and a video from Riley’s white coat ceremony at the nursing program.
