Family, community, social media remember Laken Riley
Augusta University student Laken Riley at her white coast ceremony in 2023. (photo provided by Augusta University Division of Communications and Marketing.)
By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief
Family, friends and community members are speaking out on social media about Laken Riley, a 22-year-old Augusta University nursing student who was slain while running in Athens on Feb. 22.
A vigil was held on campus in Athens on Monday, Feb. 26, to remember Riley and another student who died hours earlier.
Riley, an avid runner, was a native of Woodstock (Ga.). She attended the University of Georgia before transferring to AU’s College of Nursing in Athens.
A source close to the family released a statement that read:
"Laken was an amazing daughter, sister, friend and overall person in general. Her love for the Lord was exemplified in every aspect of her life. She will be missed every day, but we promise to honor her life moving forward in a very big way. During this most difficult time, we ask that you respect our privacy, and provide us the time and space necessary to grieve our daughter’s life that was tragically cut short."
Riley’s younger sister, Lauren Phillips, posted on Instagram: “The best sister and my built-in best friend from the very first second. This isn’t fair and I will never understand it but I know you are in heaven with the man you loved most right now. I’m not sure how I’m going to do this but it’s all going to be for you from now on. I cannot wait to give you the biggest hug some day. I will miss and love you forever Laken.”
Augusta University’s College of Nursing posted the tribute to Riley on Instagram that read:
“To the College of Nursing Community,
“We offer our condolences to the family, friends, and professors of Laken Riley.
“Laken, 22, was a class of 2025 BSN student and a promising future nurse. She received her honorary white coat in August of 2023, symbolizing humanism, compassion, and the start of her nurse’s journey. Not only was she a bright and dedicated student, but she had the distinct honor of making the Fall 2023 Dean’s List.
“Laken’s compassion and care for others is evident by her desire to be a nurse, and her choice of sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. Alpha Chi is a philanthropic organization that is actively involved on the UGA campus, and its national philanthropy is Domestic Violence Awareness.
“The College of Nursing will miss Laken’s spirit on campus, and our hearts go out to her family and friends. We know that she would have been a wonderful nurse, and her passing is a loss for the profession and the communities she would have graciously served.”
Riley’s funeral has been scheduled for Friday, March 1, at 2 p.m. at Woodstock City Church, with a visitation planned for noon to 2 p.m. before the service.
A fundraiser has been started to help the family with funeral costs, creating a scholarship in her name and bringing awareness to homicide and safety for women.
Fundraiser for John Phillips by Kanaan Rogers : Laken Riley Memorial (gofundme.com)
To read Riley’s obituary, click here:
Laken Hope Riley Obituary 2024 - Poole Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.
