A tragic incident occurred at the University of Georgia’s Athens campus, where a nursing student from Augusta University was found dead in a wooded area after failing to return from a morning run. Authorities suspect foul play in her death.
The identity of the student has not been disclosed, and details regarding the cause of death have not been released due to the ongoing investigation.
University of Georgia Police Chief Jeff Clark emphasized that this is the first homicide on campus in 20 years and assured the community that law enforcement agencies are thoroughly investigating the case, with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department assisting.
While there is no apparent immediate danger to the public, Clark advised students to travel in groups as a precaution. Both the University of Georgia and Augusta University cancelled classes on Friday following the incident.
The woman’s body was discovered near Lake Herrick, behind the school’s Intramural Fields, prompting authorities to ask the university community to avoid the area. The discovery was made after a friend of the student notified police when she did not return from her run as expected.
The incident has deeply affected the campus community, particularly given the rarity of such events at the university. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding the student’s tragic death.