Woman found dead on University of Georgia campus after reportedly going for a run, police say

UGA police said they received a call from a person who was concerned about their friend who had not come back from a morning run. (Source: WANF)
Published: Feb. 22, 2024 at 5:56 PM EST|Updated: Feb. 22, 2024 at 10:06 PM EST

ATLANTA (WANF/Gray News) – Authorities are investigating a woman’s death on the University of Georgia’s campus, the school announced Thursday afternoon.

UGA police said they received a call just after 12 p.m. on Thursday from a person who was concerned about their friend who had not come back from a morning run at the intramural fields.

About 20 minutes later, police found the woman’s body in a forested area behind Lake Herrick with “visible injuries.”

Officers tried to give emergency aid, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The school said in a letter to students that “foul play is suspected,” adding that the “safety and welfare of our campus community is our top concern.”

Officials confirmed Thursday that the woman was a student at the Augusta University College of Nursing campus in Athens. The identity of the woman was still not released as of Thursday night.

Police say a suspect has also not been identified.

All classes at UGA have been canceled until Monday. The Augusta University College of Nursing canceled classes on Friday.

UGA is asking the community to stay away from the area while campus police, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Athens-Clarke County Police Department investigate.

A press conference is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time.

Police ask anyone with information to call the UGA Police Department at (706) 542-2200.