Augusta, GA
'Built in best friend': What we know about Laken Riley
Laken Riley’s sister offers heartfelt tribute
The sister of Laken Hope Riley took to Instagram on Friday to remember her sister and “built-in best friend.” The 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student was found dead along a trail on the campus of UGA on Thursday.
ATHENS, Ga. – We’re learning more about Laken Riley, the Augusta University student who was found dead on the campus of the University of Georgia.
Riley’s younger sister, Lauren, shared a heartfelt message about Riley on Instagram, saying Riley was her “best friend.”
“The best sister and my built in best friend from the very first second,” the post reads in part. “This isn’t fair, and I will never understand it but I know you are in heaven “
Where was Laken Riley from?
Who was Laken Hope Riley?
Laken Hope Riley was an Augusta University nursing student, a graduate of River Ridge High School in Woodstock, and an avid running. The 22-year-old was found murdered on the UGA campus on Thursday. A look at the impact she made in her short life.
Riley was from Woodstock and a 2020 graduate of River Ridge High School where she ran cross country and track. The 22-year-old was first enrolled at UGA before transferring to August University to complete her nursing degree.
Cherokee County Schools superintendent Brian Hightowner described Riley as a standout athlete and student.
“Our community and our world lost a shining light. An outstanding scholar athlete, Laken inspired classmates and teachers with her love of learning and her kindness to all,” Hightower sent in a statement to FOX 5.
Woodstock City Church also sent the following statement:
We are devasted by the news of the tragic death of Laken Riley. Laken’s family are active members of our church community. Our prayers are with them, as is our support to walk alongside them through this difficult time.
Neighbors react to Augusta University student’s death
Neighbors, like Jill Harvill, who knew Riley and her family, told FOX 5 that they cannot fathom what has happened.
“We were heartbroken because we have a daughter that could very well be in the same situation. Our heart goes out to the family. I just can’t even imagine,” she said. “You think of the young ladies that you know there. It makes me worried. I grew up, my mom always said, you do everything in numbers. You never do anything by yourself and that is what I’ve taught my daughter. I am just heartbroken for the family. I can’t imagine what they are going through.
Laken Riley’s disappearance and death
UGA murder: Person of interest in death of Laken Riley
The investigation into the death of Laken Riley on the UGA campus on Thursday continues. Friday morning, police took a person of interest into custody and searched a nearby apartment complex in connection to the murder of the 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student. The latest on the investigation.
The 22-year-old nursing student was reported missing by a friend to UGA’s police department just after noon on Feb. 22 after she failed to return from a run. Her body was found a short time later near in a forested area around Lake Herrick near the Intramural Fields.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and several federal law enforcement agencies have each played roles in the investigation.
On Feb. 23, authorities had set up a mobile command center at the Argo Apartments off Milledge Avenue near Lake Herrick and UGA. That afternoon, UGA spokesperson Greg Trevor confirmed they were speaking to a person of interest.
Hours later, the university announced that a suspect had been taken into custody.
More details are expected to be released in the coming days.
Gov. Kemp offers condolences to the family of Laken Riley
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who is a UGA alum, issued a statement late Friday about the murder of Laken Riley.
“Marty, the girls, and I were truly shaken and heartbroken to learn of Laken Riley’s tragic death. Tonight, we’re thankful the [Georgia Bureau of Investigation], Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and [University of Georgia] police and other partners have taken her murderer into custody. We will not rest until justice for Laken is secured.”
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The 2025-2026 Peach Belt Conference brackets are set, and there is plenty of shakeup this year.
Starting with the women’s bracket, Augusta University secured the #4 overall seed and will face #5 seed Middle Georgia in round one.
USCA’s women’s team did not fair as well, finishing in last place of this season’s standings.
On the men’s side, USCA’s men’s team secured the eighth and final spot in the conference tournament.
In a shocking turn of events, AU’s men’s team did not qualify for the tournament.
This marks the first time the program has missed the PBC tournament since Dip Metress took over the program in 2004.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, Ga. – Augusta managed just five hits and one run and fell to Georgia Southwestern 12-1 Sunday as the Hurricanes win two of the three games of the series. The Jaguars are now 7-2 in Peach Belt Conference play and 11-8 overall. The Canes improve to 7-2 in conference play and 12-7 overall.
Georgia Southwestern scored runs in all but one inning including four runs in the first two innings and plated five runs in the fifth, highlighted by a grand slam.
The only Augusta run would come in the fourth inning. Landon Leonard would reach on an error and would come around when Kent Moon reached on a fielder’s choice that would plate Leonard.
Leonard, Moon, Davis Newman, Harris Bachelder and Jakob Cowart would collect the hits for the Jaguars.
Augusta will next be in action on Friday when the open up a three game series with Lander at Jaguar Field. First pitch on Friday is set for 6:00 p.m.
Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.augustajags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.
Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.
50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.
Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.
One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.
“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.
The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.
In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”
People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.
Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.
There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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