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 10th annual Juneteenth Augusta Festival brought families to the Augusta Fairgrounds on Friday despite the muggy heat.
Cultural and community-focused events, live music performances and food trucks were available at the celebration.
Tonia Hill, attending the Juneteenth celebration, said she loves the holiday and is supporting the community, though she acknowledged the weather conditions.
“I love Juneteenth. And I’m supporting everybody. It’s hot. It’s hot. It’s hot,” Hill said.
The festival runs until 10 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Dream Center is seeing more families turn to its food pantry this summer as children lose access to school lunches.
Organizations like the Augusta Dream Center see a surge in families who relied on school lunches during the academic year, according to Hallie Kohan, assistant director.
“We see a lot more families that have young kids who are in need that simply don’t have those meals they are normally getting,” Kohan said. “We see an influx of families that come through.”
Demand is up, but the food supply is not keeping pace.
“Right now we are having some food distribution issues so while we are seeing an increase in families, we are seeing a decrease in the amount of food coming through our doors,” Kohan said.
The center is asking the community to host food drives or donate kid-friendly items such as mac and cheese and oatmeal.
Every Sunday the Dream Center opens its doors for a hot meal, serving as many as 120 people.
“Families can come in and get their hot meal. They sit down, it’s dignified, it’s a diner,” Kohan said. “It’s a welcoming experience for kids to come in and not feel like they are in need.”
No paperwork is required to receive help.
“Just because you think someone is in a great situation, in today’s economy you never know,” Kohan said. “It could be your neighbor, mom, or best friend.”
The Augusta Dream Center food pantry is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Hot meals are served Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Construction continues on the James Brown Linear Park in downtown Augusta, with ceiling tiles now installed inside the park structures.
The tiles feature designs showcasing the Godfather of Soul from different years in his career.
According to the city, the completed park will include an interactive water feature that will “dance” to Brown’s greatest hits. A statue of the music icon will return to a new stage at the park.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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