ATHENS, Georgia – A woman’s body was discovered Thursday on the campus of the University of Georgia, prompting a suspected foul play investigation.
The victim, who was not a student at the University of Georgia but attended another institution, was found with visible injuries in a forested area behind Lake Herrick, according to University of Georgia Police Chief Jeffrey Clark.
Augusta University later confirmed that the victim was one of its students who attended the college of nursing at its Athens campus. President Brooks A. Keel expressed shock at the news and extended condolences to the victim’s loved ones.
The investigation is ongoing, with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Athens-Clarke County Police assisting university police. The university, which has over 40,000 students, canceled all classes Thursday evening and Friday in response to the “terrible situation.”
University of Georgia’s campus, covering 760 acres in Athens, is equipped with security cameras, but the presence of such surveillance did not prevent this tragic incident. Chief Clark noted that this is the first homicide on the campus in at least 20 years.
As the community grapples with the tragedy, authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist in the investigation. The loss of a young life in such a manner has left many in shock and mourning, as they come to terms with this devastating turn of events.
The victim’s identity and the circumstances surrounding her death have not been disclosed, as authorities prioritize the integrity of the ongoing investigation. The campus remains in a state of mourning and concern, with students, faculty, and staff coming together to support one another during this difficult time.