ATHENS, Ga. — A day after the body of a nursing student was found on the University of Georgia campus, those who knew her are remembering the 22-year-old as a "bright and dedicated student" who was compassionate, generous and a "shining light."
On Friday, the Athens Clarke County Coroner's Office identified Laken Hope Riley as the woman who was found dead near the intramural fields on UGA's campus.
According to officials, Riley was a UGA student through the Spring Semester 2023 before she transferred to the Augusta University College of Nursing program at Athens, where she was currently enrolled as a junior and on the Dean's List.
Augusta University said they are in a partnership with UGA, allowing students to participate in UGA campus activities.
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According to an Associated Press report, Riley graduated from River Ridge High School in Woodstock in 2020 where she was a cross country runner.
In a statement, the Cherokee County school district superintendent said the "world has lost a shining light" with Riley's death.
"An outstanding scholar athlete, Laken inspired classmates and teachers with her love of learning and her kindness to all," Superintendent Dr. Brian V. Hightower said in a statement. "We ask that the community please keep her family in their hearts."
River Ridge High School cross country coach Keith Hooper added that Riley was an "unselfish individual," describing the time she gave up the chance to run a final her senior year because she thought she was "not 100% fit."
"Her passion for health care science and running are to be admired," Hooper said. "She will always accompany us as we run. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
AP also stated she remained active in her sorority where she had joined during her time at UGA.
The Augusta University College of Nursing in a statement said Laken, who received her honorary white coat last August and was slated to graduate in 2025, had a "promising future" as a nurse.
"Not only was she a bright and dedicated student, but she had the distinct honor of making the Fall 2023 Dean’s List," the statement read.
"Laken’s compassion and care for others is evident by her desire to be a nurse, and her choice of sorority, Alpha Chi Omega." Alpha Chi, the school noted, is a philanthropic organization that is actively involved on the UGA campus, and its national philanthropy is domestic violence awareness.
"The College of Nursing will miss Laken’s spirit on campus, and our hearts go out to her family and friends," the statement continued. "We know that she would have been a wonderful nurse, and her passing is a loss for the profession and the communities she would have graciously served."
What happened to Laken Riley?
According to officials, Riley told friends she was heading out to the intramural fields to take a jog but never returned. That's when they called the police, who later found her body behind Lake Herrick in the forested area on campus, which is not too far from the intramural fields.
Police are still investigating the final hours before she was found, and detectives hope to answer those questions now that a suspect is in custody. UGA Police Chief Jeff Clark said Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, is facing malice murder and other charges.
Statements from those who knew Riley described her as a beloved person in the community. On Friday morning, 11Alive's Molly Oak saw a family leaving flowers by Lake Herrick's sign in Athens, near the scene where Riley's body was recovered.
An online fundraiser has been created to assist Laken's family with expenses during this time. The fundraiser has surpassed its $35,000 goal in less than 24 hours. If you wish to donate, click here.