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
Car crashes into Verizon storefront while trying to park, deputies say
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A white Subaru Forester drove through a Verizon storefront while attempting to park in a front parking space, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office said it responded to the Verizon store, 254 Robert C. Daniel Parkway, for a single-vehicle crash.
The occupants of the vehicle reported no injuries, but one person inside the store reported minor injuries, the agency said.
Around 3 p.m. Thursday, an employee on the scene told News 12 that an elderly couple was parked in front of the store; the woman’s leg locked up, and she drove straight ahead.
Verizon released a statement saying, ”We are working to restore the location and reopen it as quickly as possible, with safety remaining our top priority. In the meantime, and as always, customers are encouraged to use our store locator to find nearby local Verizon stores. Our verizon.com website, My Verizon app and 1-800-VERIZON numbers are open 24/7 to serve customer needs.”
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Car crashes into Verizon store in Augusta, injuring 1. What happened?
Dramatic video shows an out-of-control SUV smashing into scaffolding
An SUV crashed into a scaffolding outside a restaurant in White Plains, New York, narrowly missing pedestrians and traffic.
The Augusta Exchange became somewhat chaotic on Thursday.
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office reported Thursday on social media that a white Subaru Forester crashed into the front of a Verizon store after accelerating from the parking lot.
Where in Augusta was the Verizon car crash?
The Verizon store in question is located at 254 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Pkwy.
What caused the Verizon car crash in Augusta?
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but RCSO said the driver remained on the scene and has reportedly been cooperating with authorities.
Who was injured in Verizon car crash in Augusta?
A patron inside the store was injured. Emergency responders arrived on the scene, evaluated the patron, and the extent of the injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. No other injuries have been reported at this time.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
Augusta, GA
Augusta lays out road map for new grounds management department
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta’s city administrator presented commissioners Tuesday with a four-step plan to establish a new grounds management system with a target launch date of Jan. 1.
The administrator told commissioners the first phase of the plan — preparation — is already complete. That step included gathering budget information from involved departments, meeting with department heads, drafting job descriptions for new positions, and building a draft budget based on existing city spending.
Five-month evaluation phase begins this spring
Starting in March, the administrator’s team will begin a service model evaluation running through July. That phase includes hiring a new department director, appointing a temporary transition lead, mapping mowing routes using GIS technology, and meeting with city crews, contractors, and community members.
Transition phase set for fall
By August, the focus shifts to a transition period that includes re-bidding contracts, finalizing staff assignments, and developing a public education campaign. The goal is to have new contracts in place by Jan. 1.
New department set to launch Jan. 1
That is when the Augusta Grounds Management Department officially opens, with new personnel, new equipment, and new contracts in place.
Commissioners received the update on Tuesday. The administrator’s team is expected to move into phase two next month.
City leaders have said overgrown grass is among the top complaints they receive.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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