Vigil held on UGA campus for AU nursing student Laken Riley
ATHENS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - University of Georgia students are returning to class Monday for the first time since the death of 22-year-old Laken Riley, who authorities said was killed Thursday morning as she jogged near an on-campus lake.
Two Greek organizations, Alpha Chi Omega and Kappa Sigma, planned a vigil on Monday at Tate Plaza. They ed Riley and another student who took his own life last week in an on-campus dormitory.
Hundreds of students turned to each other for .
Riley was an Augusta University College of nursing at Athens student. She was found dead last week.
But on Monday, the focus was on looking ahead.
“We have no clue why things like this happen, I’m the first to question why. I’ve chosen to change my view of this and to know that we were given these people during this time for a reason,” said a student speaker.
Since last Thursday there have been numerous prayer vigils, worship services and open chapel doors to help students cope with two deaths in Athens. By the number of people at the vigil, you can tell these deaths are impacting a lot of people, but as life in Athens moves on, people here say it feels like anything but home.
Heavy hearts and tearful eyes now loom over the streets of a heartbroken Athens community.
“The streets are quiet around campus, and no one is out. Typically, you will hear chattering and laughing but that’s not the vibe right now,” said sophomore Macon Dudley.
Class may be back in session, but the student body has been small.
WATCH THE FULL VIGIL:
“Everyone went home. Whenever I came back, no one was there at my sorority house. The parking lot was half full and people aren’t even coming back until today,” said Dudley.
Landon Law, student, said: “It’s pretty heavy feeling on campus right now. Both of our classes got optional attendance for the rest of the day and every teacher has been super ive and like ‘Y’all take this time for mental health and just to get your feet back under you,’ which makes it hard for mid- because that’s this week.”
It all changed on Monday as hundreds of students poured out to show their love for Laken Riley and Wyatt Banks.
The student speaker said: “Although we both mourn for more time with Wyatt and Laken, we find peace in the light they brought into our lives. Wyatt — a good friend and brother. Laken — a caring and driven sister who taught us what a true friend is.”
Sobbing and overwhelmed with grief, students are trying to press forward.
MORE NEWS 12 COVERAGE:
- Laken Riley murder suspect had prior criminal background, illegally entered US in 2022
- ‘I feel like it’s tainted’: Killing shatters security for UGA students
- Slaying brings attention to lack of police call boxes at UGA
- AU student’s slaying sends shockwaves from Athens to CSRA
“Let this be our calling if you see something say something. That is the best way to honor these lives going forward,” said another student speaker.
Students are setting their eyes on the coming days.
Law said: “Overall everyone is trying to work together to make it back to normal but it’s just going to take a little while.”
The heaviness continues in Athens, but one of the most powerful things is watching students come together and each other.
News 12 spoke with parent advocates on Monday who say they will be downtown next week demanding to make Athens safe again and address more safety issues.
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