Share and Follow
A COLLEGE student has been found dead near the University of Georgia’s intramural field.
The unidentified woman’s remains were found in the forested area behind Lake Herrick on UGA’s campus Thursday afternoon.
Police received a call Thursday afternoon from the woman’s friend saying she had gone for a run at UGA’s intramural fields but never come back.
The victim had left early Thursday morning and would normally have been home when her friend spoke to cops.
Officers went to search the area and found the student 20 minutes after the call. She was unconscious and not breathing.
According to officials at the university, the victim had “visible injuries” although they did not give any more details.
Authorities tried to perform lifesaving measures, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
UGA President Jere Morehead said that both the GBI and Athens-Clarke County police were assisting with the investigation.
The university released a statement following the tragic incident.
“The past 24 hours have been a traumatic time for our University. Our student body is grieving the sudden death of one of our students in Brumby Hall last night,” a spokesperson explained to the student body.
“And as we continue to mourn that tragic loss of life, today’s devastating news will uniquely test the resolve of our campus community, particularly our students.”
Jeff Clark, Chief of Police for the University of Georgia, also spoke out on the incident during a 7 pm press conference on Monday.
“This is a tragic day. I want to offer my sincere condolences. I want to stress that this is an active investigation,” he told the public.
He went on to explain that the woman was not a student of UGA, however, she was known around the university.
“… She does participate in all things UGA. A very big part of campus life. The victim is enrolled in a partnership program at another university,” according to UGA police.
It was confirmed by Augusta University President Dr. Brooks Keel that the victim was a student at the AU College of Nursing.
Students were made aware of the death of their classmate on Thursday.
“Dear Augusta University Family, It is with deepest sorrow that I share with you the news that one of our students at our College of Nursing campus in Athens has passed away,” the school explained.
“Police have said they suspect foul play. The receipt of this news this afternoon was shocking to all of us.”
The UGA campus takes up 760 acres of land and holds over 33,000 students.
Chief Clark, however, vowed to leave “no stone unturned” in the active investigation.
“We do have security cameras here on campus,” he said.
“We are not going to leave any rock unturned in this case.”
Officers have also reportedly been checking every car parked near Lake Herrick and are writing down license plates.
All classes at the University of Georgia were canceled after 5:30 pm on Thursday and will not resume until Monday, February 26.
Students are also being urged to take multiple safety precautions at this time.
Those in the area are being asked to avoid the crime scene and travel in groups during the investigation.
Anyone who has information on the current investigation is should call the UGA Police Department at 706-546-2200.
