A female student at the Augusta University College of Nursing in Athens was discovered deceased in a wooded area near Lake Herrick on Thursday, Feb. 22, sparking suspicions of foul play.
According to a email from Augusta University President Brooks Keel, classes in Athen are canceled for Friday, Feb. 23.
Further, reports from an Archnews email, the discovery occurred around 12:38 p.m. Thursday, prompting the University of Georgia to cancel all classes scheduled after 5:30 p.m. on Thursday with subsequent cancellations on Friday. Classes are set to resume on Monday.
The UGA police disclosed receiving a distress call just after noon Thursday from an individual expressing concern for the well-being of a friend, who had failed to return after going for a morning run at the Intramural Fields. Subsequent search efforts led to the discovery of the student’s body in a wooded area behind Lake Herrick, showing visible signs of injury. Her name has not been released, but WGAC’s Austin Rhodes has reported that the victim previously studied nursing in Augusta.
“We have been fully briefed on this situation. Foul play is suspected, and we are receiving support from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Athens-Clarke County Police Department to investigate this crime,” UGA said in a Thursday afternoon news release. “The safety and welfare of our campus community are our top concern.”
Authorities from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Athens-Clarke County police have launched an investigation into the incident, with campus administration emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety of the UGA community.
In a plea for cooperation, authorities urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact UGA police at 706-542-2200. Additionally, UGA police recommended individuals to utilize the UGA Safe App, travel in groups whenever possible, and remain vigilant.
Students reported the sudden cancellation of classes at the Intramural Fields during Thursday afternoon, with law enforcement officers checking and recording identifications before individuals left the premises.
Efforts to provide support for affected students included avenues such as Student Care and Outreach as well as Counseling and Psychiatric Services.
