Students at the University of Georgia are on edge after a fellow student was killed while out jogging on campus.
22-year-old Laken Riley was out for a run last Thursday when a 26-year-old man dragged her into the woods and fatally injured her.
"The apprehension of a suspect, however, does not erase the fact that a vibrant young life was senselessly taken on our campus. Laken attended UGA as a student until May 2023, when she transferred to the Augusta University College of Nursing at Athens," said the University of Georgia in a statement online. "She remained actively involved in her sorority at UGA and had many friends here on campus. We mourn the loss of her precious life."
Her friends say she did everything right, including running during the day in a place where she felt safe. She also let her friends know her route and when she expected to arrive back. It's the latter that helped police locate Riley.
When her friends realized she had not returned, they promptly contacted authorities, who discovered Laken in a wooded area of the University of Georgia Campus.
Laken's family released a statement over the weekend thanking the public for their support during this difficult time.
"We wish to thank the public for their prayers and thoughts during this tragic time,' said the family in a statement online. "We thank the University of GA Police Department, Athens-Clarke County Police Department, The Clarke County District Attorney's Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for their quick response and diligent effort in the investigation and arrest of those individuals responsible for our daughter's death."
They went on to praise Laken for being the person she was.
"Laken was an amazing daughter, sister, friend and overall person in general, " said the family. " Her love for the Lord was exemplified in a very big way."
The family is now asking for privacy as they deal with their tragic loss.
A GoFundMe page has been created in memory of Laken. Funds collected will be used to cover funeral costs. Anything remaining will go towards setting up a scholarship in honour of Laken.